Paul Pogba's new manager sends ex-Man Utd star important reminder - 'It's different for him'
Former Manchester United and Juventus star Paul Pogba joined Monaco over the summer but is still waiting to make his debut for the Ligue 1 club after a change of manager
AS Monaco manager Sebastien Pocognoli believes Paul Pogba still has the technique he has shown in the past for Manchester United, Juventus and France. However, he recognised the French international's situation is different to that of some of his team-mates.
Pogba hasn't played any senior competitive football in over two years. He was handed a four year ban after testing positive for a banned substance during his second Juventus stint, though this was reduced on appeal after it was determined he didn't intentionally commit a doping offence.
The 32-year-old midfielder was brought to Stade Louis II when Adi Hutter was manager, but the Austrian was dismissed in early October. Pocognoli has taken over in the dugout, and is close to being able to call upon Pogba in domestic competition and in the Champions League.
"Paul is closer to returning than Denis (fellow midfielder Denis Zakaria), even though his absence was much longer," Pocognoli said. "I said this week would be used to answer some more questions, and every day is part of that process.
"For the moment, things are going well; I expect it to be a short time before he’s back with the group. When he returns, we’ll need to work together to assess him as a player.. The Paul of Manchester United or his first period at Juventus dates back several years now."
READ MORE: Paul Pogba suffers fresh blow as former Man Utd star sees return pushed back AGAINREAD MORE: Patrice Evra makes heart-breaking admission as Man Utd icon opens on mum's tragic health battleReflecting on the differences between Pogba and his team-mates, Pocognoli added: "Every player develops according to their age and experience, so we’ll have to judge him based on his background and his age. From what I can see, he still possesses the technique we know he has. The rhythm of the matches will then give us some answers to all these questions.
"He can be the best version of himself at AS Monaco; in any case, it will be my role to try and guide him towards that level, to try and stimulate all his qualities and his potential. It’s the same for every player, but it’s different for him. I hope to get the most out of what he has to offer us."
Pocognoli, who began the season with Belgian club Union SG, is unbeaten in three matches in Ligue 1. He also earned a point in his first Champions League game with his new employers, drawing 0-0 at home to Tottenham Hotspur.
Most recently, they came out on top in a 5-3 thriller away to Nantes. The three points were enough to lift Pocognoli's team up to second in the Ligue 1 table, just a point adrift of leaders Paris Saint-Germain.
Next up for Monaco is another home match, with 12th place Paris FC heading to the principality. It's followed by a Champions League trip to Bodo/Glimt, with the new boss looking to pick up a first win in the competition.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.