INTERVIEW | Soungoutou Magassa: “There is no reason why I can’t reach the highest level.”

All is quiet at AS Monaco’s performance centre in La Turbie on a Monday. Those who participated in the Principality club’s 2-1 victory over FC Metz the previous day benefit from a day off, whilst those who didn’t feature are put through their paces. For the first time this season, that includes the suspended Soungoutou Magassa, who was absent from proceedings at the Stade Louis II on Sunday. After Monday’s session, the France U21 international sat down with Get French Football News to discuss his breakthrough this season. 

Magassa has been a name on the lips of the Monaco fans for a while. The Diagonale Academy product has impressed coming through the ranks at the Principality club. His chance came last season against Stade Rennais. Down to 10 men early in the first half of the match in August 2022, Magassa steadied the ship and was essential to Monaco securing a hard-fought draw. Ultimately, however, this wouldn’t prove to be the springboard for a more prominent role. 

“After that match against Rennes, I thought that having had a good match, I anticipated that I’d get my chance. That didn’t happen. My next match was six months later against Rodez in the Coupe de France. It took time, I worked hard and I played with the Groupe Élite but I was disappointed during these six months where I wasn’t playing in the first team,” said Magassa.

Magassa would have to be patient. He was used sparingly, if at all, by Philippe Clement, but he quickly earned the trust of new manager Adi Hütter. However, as the club’s pre-season preparations progressed, there was a slow realisation that Magassa would feature in an unfamiliar role. 

Largely as a result of absences and sales, Magassa, a No.6 by trade, came on against Leeds United in an LCB