Pogba still ‘has the qualities’, says Monaco coach Pocognoli

Paul Pogba has lost none of his “vision and technique” despite not playing for more than two years, his Monaco coach Sebastien Pocognoli said on Friday, as he weighs up whether to hand the 2018 World Cup winner his club debut.

The 32-year-old is widely expected to make his first appearance on a football pitch since September 2023, when Monaco travel to Rennes on Saturday.

Pogba failed a drugs test in August 2023 after a Juve match and was handed a four-year ban, which was subsequently reduced to 18 months.

He subsequently left the club but signed for Monaco in June, and the club have been cautious in their approach to preparing Pogba for a return to competitive action.

“For Paul, there is another training session today and we will assess the group after that session,” said Pocognoli, adding that Pogba could be part of the squad “if everything goes well”.

Pogba was initially expected to make his comeback in October but a series of injuries, including a sprained ankle, set him back.

“He’s had a series of training sessions, there has been positive feedback,” said Pocognoli.

“We’ve had a bit more time in this international break to work on different tactical aspects and match situations. He took part, these are good signs.”

The Belgian added: “He has the qualities to adapt to what we want to do in midfield. He hasn’t lost his vision and technique.

“We have to see it in a match context but that’s the same for every player coming back from injury.”