In the small press room before Monaco’s trip north to Lorient, Ansu Fati spoke with the relief of a forward who has finally returned to the rhythm of matches. His first start of the season came in Sofia on Thursday, and the former Barcelona attacker marked it with a goal as Monaco beat CSKA Sofia 2-1 in the Europa League.
A first start and a goal in Sofia
The Europa League league-phase meeting was a significant step for Fati, who had not appeared for Monaco until 10 October, when he made his debut against Toulouse in Ligue 1. His first place in the starting side arrived in the second round of European fixtures, and he took it by scoring in the Bulgarian capital.
- Fati made his first Monaco start of the campaign against CSKA Sofia on Thursday.
- He scored in Monaco’s 2-1 Europa League victory.
- His first appearance for the club had come against Toulouse on 10 October.
- The 22-year-old said he had been eager to compete again after a delayed start to the season.
“I feel good and I was desperate to get back into competition,” Fati said. “I am very happy to be back. In Sofia I felt excellent, showed plenty of desire and now I want to keep playing.”
He explained that a long pre-season had been interrupted by minor physical problems. “I worked hard to return to the squad,” he said. “It was difficult not being able to do what I love, which is playing football and being on the pitch. But whenever I am out there, I give everything for the team.”
Finding a place in Monaco’s attack
Fati did not hide his wish for a cleaner run of fitness, while accepting that injury spells have become part of his recent path. He said his daily objective is to remain available and avoid missing games, adding that other players have found consistency after repeated setbacks.
His role, he believes, can change according to Monaco’s needs. Whether near the box to finish moves or create the final pass, he is prepared to work wherever the coach sees value.
- Fati said he can operate as a No. 10, centre-forward, second striker or wide attacker.
- He stressed that adapting to different roles and reading the game matter more than a fixed position.
- His priority is to contribute fully whenever selected, regardless of where he starts.
“The coach knows me and will use me where he thinks I can perform best,” he said. “I am happy on the field in any position. The important thing is to adapt and understand the game.”
Lorient next as Monaco set the title standard
Monaco travel to Lorient on Sunday sitting top of Ligue 1, at least until Saturday’s meeting between Lille and Brest. Fati knows the visit carries a particular warning: Lorient beat Monaco twice last season.
He placed Paris Saint-Germain in their expected position among the division’s strongest sides, but argued that Monaco’s campaign will depend on the many matches outside their two league meetings with the French champions.
“PSG are among the best teams in the world, but we only face them twice,” Fati said. “The key is winning the other games, beginning with Lorient. They beat us twice last year, so we have to give everything. The season is still long.”
Monaco will aim as high as possible, he said, and the squad must retain the ambition to win silverware even while recognising the difficulty of that task.
A route back to Spain and confidence in the principality
Fati also retains the objective of returning to the Spain squad. He said that route depends on training well, performing in matches and, above all, producing more sustained form. He pointed to last season, when he played regularly, as the standard he wants to recover.
“Selection is not entirely in my hands, but I will do all I can,” he said. “I need to become more consistent. Naturally, I hope to return to the national team.”
Leaving Barcelona, the club he described as his home, was not an easy step. Yet Fati is convinced Monaco offers the right setting to develop, play and rediscover his best football. He thanked those at the club, including the president, for the faith shown in him.
For now, the next proof comes on the road at Lorient, with a European goal in Sofia having opened a more hopeful chapter in his Monaco season.
