Paul Pogba and Ansu Fati are still far from fit enough to make their first appearance for Monaco as coach Adi Hutter analysed his side's new signings.

  • Pogba and Fati are "hungry" for a start
  • Hutter confirms duo still rebuilding fitness
  • Cautious approach with new star arrivals
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Pogba, the former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder, and Fati, the ex-Barcelona forward, both have found a new new home at Monaco, but are still not ready to debut for the French club. Head coach Hutter revealed that both high-profile summer signings are behind in fitness. The French side thrashed Coventry 5-0 in a pre-season friendly, but all eyes were on the new arrivals, none of whom featured except for England international Eric Dier, who made his debut.

    • Advertisement

  • Getty Images

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    While Monaco continue to prepare for the 2024-25 season, the integration of high-profile signings remains a work in progress. Fati and Pogba both arrived needing extensive fitness work, and the club is taking a cautious approach. Hutter admitted the pair are “hungry for the ball” but stressed they are still in the process of regaining physical structure and balance. Fati, having struggled for rhythm at Barca, is said to be slightly ahead of Pogba in terms of readiness.

  • WHAT HUTTER SAID

    While both players continue individual preparation away from match action, Hutter highlighted at that their differing situations and outlined the club’s cautious approach to their reintegration: “They’re working on their physical structure, their balance. You can’t compare the two. I think Ansu is a little closer to joining the team. At Barcelona, he wasn’t able to work as he should. We’re trying to get him back up to speed, but we can’t do it too soon. We’re being careful. They’re both hungry for the ball. They’ll get closer to that in the coming weeks.”

    • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

    Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

  • AFP

    WHAT NEXT FOR MONACO?

    With Ligue 1 kick-off approaching, Monaco are prioritising long-term fitness over short-term impact. Fati and Pogba are expected to be eased in gradually, with no fixed timeline for their competitive return. The club will continue to assess both players week by week, hoping their patience pays off in the second half of the campaign.