Paul Pogba: “I Want to Play My Football, Critics or Not”
At just 21 years old, Paul Pogba is already turning heads across Europe. Fresh off winning the Serie A title with Juventus, the French midfielder of Guinean descent is preparing to represent France at the World Cup — a dream he’s harbored since childhood.
Yet behind the confident exterior is a young player who has wrestled with self-doubt and pressure. Speaking candidly to L’Équipe, Pogba admitted to facing tough moments:
“It’s hard, you want to do well, but you can’t. I wasn’t well and it was a really difficult time. I doubted myself.”
Pogba’s elegance on the ball and fluid playing style have sometimes been misinterpreted as arrogance or complacency. Critics often point to his seemingly relaxed demeanor during tough matches. But the midfielder stands by his approach.
“My football is a bit like that: without being nonchalant, I play calmly, without pressure, at ease. Even when things aren’t going well, I play the same way,” he said.
“Maybe it makes people think I’m showing off. That’s the critics’ game. I don’t listen too much… but it still gets into my head.”
Rather than changing his identity, Pogba sees the criticism as part of the journey and hopes his consistency will win over doubters.
“If I keep playing my way, maybe I’ll encourage them to change their point of view in the next match. When things are going well, everyone applauds you. If not, the critics come. That’s football — and I accept it.”
Now, with a near-perfect club season behind him, Pogba looks toward the biggest stage of all: the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. It’s his chance to show the world that his style, confidence, and talent can help lead Les Bleus to glory.
