AS Monaco manager Sebastien Pocognoli provides positive update on Paul Pobga’s long-awaited debut

AS Monaco head coach Sebastien Pocognoli has offered a positive update on Paul Pogba’s progress, indicating that the French star is edging closer to making his long-anticipated debut for the club.

Pogba, a 2018 FIFA World Cup winner, has been sidelined from competitive football for nearly two years following a doping ban received during his time at Juventus in 2023. Initially handed a four-year suspension, the ban was later reduced to 18 months, paving the way for his return to professional football this year.

After being released by Juventus in late 2024, Pogba joined Monaco as a free agent this summer. The club placed him on an individualised conditioning programme to rebuild match fitness, but his comeback was temporarily delayed after a minor injury setback.

Speaking ahead of Monaco’s Ligue 1 clash against Nantes, Pocognoli struck an optimistic tone on Pogba’s recovery.

“His absence has been a lot longer than Denis Zakaria’s, but for now, he is closer to making his return,” the Monaco boss said during his pre-match press conference.

He added, “Everything is going well, so I am expecting to have him in the squad soon.”

However, Pocognoli was quick to emphasise that Pogba should not be judged by the standards of his past glories at Manchester United or during his first spell at Juventus.

“We have to evaluate Paul based on the player he is today. The Paul from Manchester United or Juventus a few years ago is in the past. Players evolve over time. From what I’ve seen, he still has the exceptional technique we all know, but the rhythm of matches will show us what he can bring now,” the manager explained.

At 32 years old and having missed two full seasons of top-level football, Pogba’s return will require patience. Yet Monaco remain confident that his experience, vision, and technical ability can still make a significant impact as they compete in Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League this season.