Pogba: Step by Step in Monaco, Seeks Return After Doping Suspension

Midfielder Paul Pogba is optimistic and enjoying his stay in Monaco, despite a small setback that frustrated hopes for his return in the Champions League match against Tottenham.

Pogba, who joined the Ligue 1 club in June, after being authorized to resume his career in March after the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced his doping sanction from four years to 18 months, smiles and is positive. The world champion was sanctioned at Juventus after testing positive for dehydroepiandrosterone in 2023. Pogba always maintained his innocence and the CAS considered that the intake of the prohibited substance “was not intentional”. The former French international was ready to debut with Monaco, and make his first appearance in more than two years, against Angers on Saturday, but suffered another physical problem. However, the new coach, Sebastien Pocognoli, sees light at the end of the tunnel for the 32-year-old player.

Paul is training, but not completely.

Sebastien Pocognoli

Pocognoli added that Pogba’s process is gradual and that he expects the player to join the group in two or three weeks to be able to evaluate his performance and consistency. Pocognoli, who was appointed on October 11, will make his home debut at the Stade Louis II in the match against Tottenham.

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The former West Brom left-back will not have Eric Dier due to a hamstring injury, but Pocognoli remembered his only encounter with the Spurs in 2014.

I played once at the old Tottenham stadium and I think the coach was Mauricio Pochettino. I played against my former teammate Nacer Chadli and Mousa Dembele. It was in the old stadium, it was a nice atmosphere and we won 1-0.

Sebastien Pocognoli

Alongside Pocognoli in the pre-match press duties was Monaco forward Maghnes Akliouche, who was linked with a move to Tottenham during the summer.

It was very flattering to have these kinds of stories and links, but I am a Monaco player and I play against Tottenham, so I will give my best.

Maghnes Akliouche

Akliouche added that he would like to play in the Premier League in the future, but that the most important thing is Wednesday’s match.