Slovakian Talent Conquers France: Sauer Seeks More Playing Time in Ligue 1 After Debut

The soon-to-be 22-year-old midfielder primarily features as a substitute for his French Ligue 1 club, but he's set his sights on breaking into the starting lineup in the near future.

Leo Sauer's older brother made the move to Toulouse last summer from MŠK Žilina. "Moving abroad is a huge step for any footballer, and I'm glad I've managed to handle it. I believe I've adapted to the level of play here. I'm confident I'll increasingly work my way into the starting eleven. Overall, I consider the transfer to Toulouse a good choice.

Often, it's tough for players from our league to move abroad and then stay there. However, I feel like a full-fledged member of the team, and I believe I'll contribute as much as possible on the pitch," M. Sauer told TASR.

Before the season began, his team harbored ambitions of qualifying for a European club competition, a goal they will certainly not achieve. With three rounds remaining in Ligue 1, Toulouse sits in 10th place.

"We also had a chance in the French Cup, but Racing Lens proved too strong for us. We yearned for European competition, but unfortunately, it didn't work out. Still, I don't think the club management will consider this season a failure."

M. Sauer has appeared in 24 league matches for Toulouse this season, predominantly as a substitute. He has one goal to his name, a stoppage-time winner in a 4-3 victory away at FC Metz in March.

"Of course, those 24 matches are pleasing, but my goal is to be a regular starter. I'm doing everything I can in training and matches to start more often than I have so far," M. Sauer openly stated his ambitions.

He prefers to spend his free time in France's fourth-largest city with his girlfriend. "The weather here is usually pleasant and warm, which we use for walks by the lake. In our free time, we also call my brother and friends, of course," M. Sauer added.

He earned his first national team cap in a March friendly against Romania (2-0), coming on as a substitute for Stanislav Lobotka in stoppage time. He could add more minutes during the June international break, which features two friendly matches for the national team – June 1st against Malta and June 5th against Montenegro.

"I'm very happy that I made my senior national team debut in March. It was my dream to represent my country. I believe the number of caps on my record will continue to grow," M. Sauer remarked.