Monaco boss teases Paul Pogba debut: ‘He still has the technique’

New Monaco boss Sebastien Pocognoli believes that he will be able to give Paul Pogba his debut soon, but urged caution against comparisons to the player he was before his two-year absence from football.

The 2018 World Cup winner was hit with a four-year doping ban while at Juventus in 2023, but he had his suspension reduced to 18 months later, allowing him to return to competitive football this year.

Juventus released him in late 2024, and it wasn’t until this summer that Pogba found a new club, with Ligue 1 and Champions League side Monaco snapping him up on a free transfer.

Having not played in two years, the Frenchman was given a special training regime to get him back into match fitness. However, Pogba suffered an injury setback just as he was getting ready to make his long-awaited debut.

Speaking last week, new Monaco boss Sebastian Pocognoli refused to put an exact timeline on Pogba’s return. It was initially suggested that he could be available after just a couple of weeks, but the Belgian insisted that it may take until after the next international break.

Pocognoli: Pogba ‘still has the technique’ of old

Monaco play away at Nantes on Wednesday, and Pocognoli was again asked about the midfielder at his pre-match press conference. Pogba will obviously not take part in the game, but the coach struck a more upbeat tone this week.

“His absence has been a lot longer than Denis [Zakaria’s, who is expected back after the break], but for now, he is closer to making his return,” Pocognoli said. “For now, it is going well, so I am expecting to have him in the squad soon.”

However, the manager then urged caution when it comes to evaluating Pogba’s level as a footballer. Naturally, after such a long time out and now aged 32, he is not going to be the player he was before.

“I think that we will have to undergo a process together by judging him on the player that he is today, quite simply,” Pocognoli explained. “The Paul from Man Utd or from his first stint at Juventus was a few years ago now. All players evolve over time and through their experiences.

“We have to judge him exactly on what he is now, with his baggage, but also his age. From what I have seen, he still has the technique that we know, but I think that the rhythm of the matches will give us indications. I hope to get the best out of what he can give us.”

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