Kassoum Ouattara admits AS Monaco already 'thinking' about Barcelona encounter

09/13/2024 11:24 AM

Luke Entwistle reporting from La Turbie

Ahead of the game against AJ Auxerre on Saturday, AS Monaco’s Kassoum Ouattara (19) has admitted that he is “already thinking” about next Thursday’s UEFA Champions League encounter against Barcelona, even if both he and his manager, Adi Hutter, insist that the club’s full focus is on their upcoming Ligue 1 encounter. 

It has been a rapid rise for Ouattara, who only joined Monaco on a ‘joker’ transfer last November, in the wake of Caio Henrique’s ACL injury. Having joined from Ligue 2 side Amiens SC, a fixture against European giants Barcelona is no longer a week away. No wonder the prospect of playing against the La Liga side already occupies his mind. 

“The Champions League is a childhood dream,” began Ouattara. “I hope to go as far as possible in it in order to enjoy myself as much as possible. It’s true that we’re already thinking about it.” 

However, whilst there is anticipation for the Principality club’s long-awaited Champions League return, both Ouattara and Hutter looked to turn their focus back to the domestic campaign. “The league is our daily bread,” said Hutter. “The topic is playing Auxerre tomorrow. We would be well advised to have our focus on the league game.” 

“We have to stay focused [on Ligue 1],” added Ouattara as Les Monégasques look to return to winning ways following their draw against RC Lens just before the international break. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle