‘Pogba can get back to top level’ – personal trainer backs Monaco signing

Paul Pogba’s personal trainer is confident the AS Monaco midfielder can rediscover his top form following his move to Ligue 1 after serving an 18-month doping ban.

The 32-year-old France international, who is of Guinean descent, joined Monaco as a free agent after his contract with Juventus was terminated in November 2024.

He has not played a competitive match since September 2023, having initially been handed a four-year suspension, later reduced on appeal.

Roger Caibe Rodriguez, who has been overseeing Pogba’s individual fitness work in Miami, told Le Parisien that the 2018 World Cup winner has shown remarkable determination and character throughout his rehabilitation.

“He was a bit ‘rusty’ when he came to me, but full of enthusiasm, eager to show the whole world that he’s back, and with a state of mind… his state of mind, after everything he’s been through, really, I’ve never seen anything like it in my entire life,” Rodriguez said.

The physical trainer, who has worked with a host of elite athletes, believes Pogba is even more complete now than in his previous prime years.

“Can he be a top player again? 100%. He’s smarter now, the way he sees the game, the way he influences it, everything has improved,” he added.

Pogba recently signed a two-year contract with Monaco and is expected to link up with the squad for preseason preparations in July.

While he has yet to train with the full team, Rodriguez is encouraged by the midfielder’s progress in sessions alongside other professional players.

“In Miami we only trained with some professionals, some top players, and he was shining in front of them, but it wasn’t with a real team,” he said.