Not a month goes by without Paul Pogba recording bad news on a physical level – painful setbacks inexorably delaying his return to play in the AS Monaco jersey. Last month, Sébastien Pocognoli was counting on a return of the person concerned against Paris FC – a Ligue 1 match then scheduled for 1er november. Only La Pioche immediately suffered a sprained ankle.
From now on, the Principality club no longer seems to be counting on the 2018 world champion for this year. Projections now focus on a return to business after the winter break, at the beginning of January. “ I hope. But the last time I said it… So I’m trying not to get too far ahead of myself anymore », breathes the Monegasque coach somewhat disillusioned to Agence France Presse.
“ It will happen when it needs to happen », Adds the 38-year-old Belgian technician fatalistically. This while evoking the media hubbub around his star player: “ Compared to what I’m trying to put in place on a collective level, having to answer too many questions about a single individual too often is a little outside of my principles. But Paul has a different fame and status. We need to talk about it… »
Pogba, a role to play despite everything
“My role now is to help him with the staff,” continues Sébastien Pocognoli. Who no longer has any illusions about the former Mancunian and Turin star. “ Will it be easy? I can’t say it… We’re working on it and Paul has great strength of character. And I think the head controls a lot of things. »
If not on the ground, the ASM strategist intends to rely on the experience and experiences of Paul Pogba to show the way forward to the younger members of his squad. “ I think that leaders, like Paul, must pass it on to the future generation, to the supporters, to all components of the club. These experienced players must accompany the young people. I have to make sure they succeed. The more leaders we have, the more the pressure is divided. If Paul is used well, the group can benefit from his aura. »
