Pogba given brutal reality check after nightmare first season back at Juventus

14 May 2023 , 14:28

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Paul Pogba has endured a difficult first season back at Juventus (Image: Getty Images)

Massimiliano Allegri has revealed Paul Pogba must play more matches in order to get back to his best after a nightmare first season back at Juventus.

Pogba, 29, has made nine appearances since returning to the Old Lady from Manchester United last summer, having missed a number of months due to a serious knee injury. He didn't play his first competitive match until February, before tearing his adductor muscle as he suffered yet another setback.

However, Pogba has featured in Juventus ' last two Serie A matches and also came on for the final 20 minutes in the Old Lady's 1-1 draw against Sevilla in the Europa League on Thursday. Speaking ahead of Juventus' home game against Cremonese, Allegri believes Pogba is "improving" but not quite at the level he used to be.

"He is improving, he played well for 25 minutes," Allegri said. "He needs to play more games to get back in shape, he can be decisive in the final third and we’ve often spoken about it. The most important thing now is that he’s available. With games every three days, it’s difficult to recover and play an entire match."

Pogba spent six years at United after making the £89million return to the Red Devils from Juventus. He impressed in his first season back at Old Trafford under Jose Mourinho and became a key figure as they won the Europa League and the Carabao Cup, while also finishing in the top four.

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But Pogba arguably reached his peak when he starred for France at the 2018 World Cup. The midfielder scored in the final against Croatia as Les Bleus lifted the trophy in Russia. He featured in all but one game for France at the tournament as he claimed his first major honour for his country.

Paul Pogba hasn't yet started a match this season for Juventus ((Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images))

Having impressed at the World Cup, Pogba took that form into the 2018/19 campaign as he recorded his best-ever scoring season with 16 in 47 appearances. However, that is as good as it got for Pogba as he struggled to perform under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and netted just seven in his next two seasons.

Pogba failed to deliver last season and was released at the end of his contract following the appointment of Erik ten Hag. He hasn't been able to influence Juventus' season the way he would have wanted but has a chance to make an impact in their remaining matches. Juve currently sit second in the Serie A table.

"We must remain in the top four in Serie A and defend the second place. We've fulfilled our duties on the pitch, what happens outside should not concern us. For now, we need to get to June 4 in the best conditions, trying to reach the Europa League Final and remain in the top four in Serie A," added Allegri.

"Other decisions are up to the club, the future, the sporting director and the players."

Kieran King