Monaco manager Sébastien Pocognoli: ‘The Paul Pogba from Manchester United and Juventus was a few years ago.’ | OneFootball

As is the case every week, Paul Pogba’s (32) situation was a key topic during AS Monaco’s pre-match press conference. Sébastien Pocognoli provided a positive update on the Frenchman, whilst also evoking La Pioche’s level following over two years out. 

Pogba joined Monaco back in June and the club’s CEO, Thiago Scuro, evoked a three-month process to bring him back to fitness. That would have had the midfielder on track for a return in early/mid-October. However, he has yet to return. But we may not have to wait much longer, as Pocognoli revealed. 

The Belgian first evoked the fitness of club captain Denis Zakaria, who he believes will not be operational until the other side of the international break in November. He then spoke about Pogba. “His (Pogba’s) absence has been a lot longer than Denis’, but for now, he is closer to making his return. For now, it is going well, so I am expecting to have him in the squad soon,” began the Monaco manager. 

What version of Pogba at Monaco?

Pogba’s level remains a mystery, but Pocognoli wants to avoid comparisons to the Pogba of old. “I think that we will have to undergo a process together by judging him on the player that he is today, quite simply. The Paul from Manchester United 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,” added Pocognoli.

The Monaco manager then gave an indication as to what he has seen in training. “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 [about his level]. I hope to get the best out of what he can give us,” he said.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle