 In two seasons with the club, Squillaci appeared in over 70 matches and helped the club achieve promotion to Ligue 2.After Puel's departure and the appointment of new manager Didier Deschamps, Squillaci joined Monaco in 2002.In his first full season as a player for his side, facing Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the 2003–04 UEFA Champions League, Monaco progressed despite losing 4–2 in Madrid, due to the 3–1 victory in the return leg; the side advanced through to the semi-finals on the away goals rule, where they defeated Chelsea.