Midfielder Soungoutou Magassa is looking forward to the chance to build on his encouraging full debut on Saturday as he and his West Ham United teammates prepare to face title hopefuls Arsenal before the October international break.
The Frenchman was rewarded with a first start for the Hammers against Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday, impressing in midfield as Nuno Espírito Santo’s reign started with a come-from-behind 1-1 draw.
Starting alongside Mateus Fernandes, Magassa’s impact on the team was clear, and our No27 recorded a number of eye-catching statistics on Merseyside, including 88% pass accuracy, four of his eight ground duels won, 100% dribble success and 43 touches of the ball.
They are acts the summer arrival from AS Monaco wants to repeat consistently throughout 2025/26, starting on Saturday when Nuno’s men make the short trip to Emirates Stadium, looking to become only the second side to win three successive Premier League away games against the Gunners.
“It (Everton) was a good game, and we were able to show that we had character,” said Magassa. “We fought together with the new Head Coach. I think we had a very good second half, and we fought for each other, and we brought back a good point from Everton.
“I think we have a very good team with a lot of quality, and now we have to work hard and push ourselves to win other games.
“I was proud to make my first start, and I think I can still improve. It's been a long time since I played for such a long time, and I didn't have a lot of time to prepare. So, I hope that with the games that are coming up, I'll be able to continue to show the fans and everyone what I'm capable of.
“I felt good, but it was new for me, the Premier League, a new league, new opponents that I don’t know, and full stadiums, which isn’t always the case in France. I was very happy to play this game with a lot of emotion.
“I wanted to do well. I was focused, and I didn't want to make mistakes. I wanted to fight for the team, for the supporters and for the Club. I wanted to play a big game, even if I didn't have a lot of rhythm because I haven’t had the chance to play a lot this summer. I think I played a good game, but I can still do much better.
“It's not the same [as Ligue 1]. There's more intensity, and there's more space, but it's definitely a lot different, as sometimes you think you have the time, but you don't. Your opponents are really good, whether that’s as individuals or as a collective. It’s a competition that has given me a taste for more.
“It’s harder to play cross-field and diagonally than in Ligue 1. It’s the best league in the world, with the best players and the best teams.”
Just over a month into his West Ham career, Magassa feels he has settled in well inside the Club and surrounding area, and says the likes of fellow Frenchman Alphonse Areola and Jean-Clair Todibo, as well as El Hadji Malick Diouf and Lucas Paquetá, have helped him settle quickly in east London.
Soungoutou has been taking regular English lessons since joining the Hammers in August, and tells us he is working hard and making good progress.
“I feel very good. It's a family Club that has welcomed me very well, with a few French speakers,” Magassa continued. “I’m taking English classes regularly to feel more confident speaking in English, and I feel as if it’s going very well. I want to be able to speak to everyone, to be able to express myself on the pitch and say what I want to the players at certain times. I'm trying to improve and integrate as best I can.
“I've been welcomed by a very good team with very good staff, and I'm very happy to be here at West Ham.
“Everyone has helped me on a daily basis, whether it's Alphonse, Malick, Jean-Clair, or Lucas, as he speaks a bit of French too.”
An away trip to Arsenal lies in store for the No27 and his teammates before the next international window and, ahead of our trip to Emirates Stadium, Magassa says that he believes his style will be a good fit for Nuno’s style of football and is hoping his side can surprise a few people with a statement victory on Saturday.
He added: “It went very well [Nuno’s arrival]. He's a coach who seems close to his players, who gives us a lot of energy, who encourages us, and wants us all to be together.
“I think that we can be very positive for the rest of the season. It's a system I'm used to playing in. I like playing with two sixes or the one six. I feel comfortable in both systems. There's still a lot of work to be done.
“I think we're going to put some good things in place so we can play well, produce some great football, perform well and win matches.
“They (Arsenal) are a big team. I’ve already played against them twice, once in a friendly and once in the UEFA Champions League with Monaco, so I'm looking forward to it, and we're going to do everything we can to give our best on the pitch.
“For the next game, we want to win, of course. There are points to take, not to lose. In this league, you can't lose. You have to take all the points you can. We're not where we deserve to be [in the table], and there's still a lot of work to do.
“We're going to go there with determination [to win], work hard and show discipline.
“I think the Head Coach is going to bring new ideas and a little change, and that’s going to be good for everyone. We all have to feel involved, and we’re all going to get there if we all continue to work in the same direction.
“I want to play every game I can and give my best. I'm here to play, have fun, improve myself individually and help the team and the Club. I have a lot of ambitions, and I'm not going to stop here.
“I'm impressed with the support. To play in stadiums full of fans, with a lot of atmosphere, it makes you want to play.
“Our supporters are our 12th man. You don't feel alone, and you feel accompanied. It's a real pleasure, and I'm very happy to play in this very big Club with these incredible fans behind us, in good times as well as in difficult times, and I hope we can give back to them on the pitch starting on Saturday.”
