Paul Pogba has only played a handful of games for his new club Monaco as he continues to work towards his return to action after a long absence from football.
Monaco manager Sebastian Pocognoli understands people’s concerns about Paul Pogba’s return, but he is not worried himself. Pogba recently played his first game in more than two years after serving a doping ban and now finds himself unable to contribute.
Pogba, whose four-year ban was reduced to 18 months after he was deemed to have unintentionally taken a banned substance, joined Monaco in the summer, just months after leaving his former employers Juventus. However, he was not ready to immediately return to the game during an injury-hit season, and Adi Hütter, the manager who took him to Stade Louis II, was sacked before the midfielder could make his debut.
The 32-year-old featured in three Ligue 1 games off the bench, including the win against Paris Saint-Germain, and was an unused substitute in Monaco’s two Champions League games. However, he did not play in last weekend’s match against Marseille, and manager Pocognoli addressed the situation ahead of the Coupe de France match against Auxerre.
“It’s already great to come back from where I was and be able to play again,” the Belgium coach said after giving Pogba another game off. “But we can’t look to the future right now.
“He’s doing his job and we’re there to support him. I understand the worry, but you can’t worry about it. I’m managing the team and Paul is part of what I want to put in place as soon as I’m ready to help the team.”
read more: Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt lift the lid on Paul Pogba’s transfer meeting to Manchester Unitedread more: Former Manchester United star Paul Pogba breaks his silence after disastrous AS Monaco debut
After making his return against Rennes in November, Pogba opened himself up to a long road back. “Last night was an unforgettable night,” the former Manchester United star wrote on social media. “Being back on the pitch after two years meant more to me than words can express.
“Thank you, my fans, for your love, energy, and belief. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has stood behind me, supported me, and pushed me through every moment of this journey. This debut wasn’t just mine…it belonged to all of you who never stopped supporting me.”
Pocognoli has made a rapid start as Monaco’s manager, going unbeaten in the Champions League, but his side have won only one of their last six games and have been eliminated from the league. Auxerre are the last opponents before the winter break and defender Caio Henrique will be hoping his side can finish with a win.
“It’s true that this tournament is a goal for us,” said the Brazilian. “I played in the final against Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, my first season here, and I hope a great journey begins on Sunday.
“This title is every player’s dream and I am here to win a trophy with AS Monaco. So I really want to win the French Cup. I hope we can finish this season on a good note and the French Cup will be a great gift for the fans!”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£43
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
