Filipe Luis addresses Pogba exit and squad roles ahead of Gornik Zabrze tie
By Zak Jackson, MonacoViews Editorial
AS Monaco open their 2026-27 European campaign on Thursday in Poland, with coach Filipe Luis fielding questions on Paul Pogba's departure, Balogun's situation and Denis Zakaria's role.
AS Monaco begin their 2026-27 season on Thursday evening in Zabrze, where they face Polish side Gornik in the first leg of a UEFA Conference League play-off round. The tie represents the club's entry point into Europe's third-tier competition, and the outcome in Poland will heavily shape whether Monaco progress to the group stage.
Coach Filipe Luis held his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, covering several topics that have dominated the off-season conversation at the Stade Louis II. Paul Pogba's departure from the squad was confirmed, drawing a line under what proved a short and disrupted stint at the club. Folarin Balogun's status was also addressed, with Luis clarifying the striker's position in the squad hierarchy as pre-season competition for attacking places intensifies.
Denis Zakaria's role in the midfield was a further focus, with the Swiss international expected to feature prominently in Luis's system this term. Monaco travel to Upper Silesia needing a result before the return leg at home in the Principality the following week.