Return to Action
Paul Pogba finally stepped back onto the field for Monaco this Saturday, participating in the second half of a pre-season friendly against Saint-Priest. The Ligue 1 giants secured a comfortable 5-2 victory, and while the former Manchester United man did not register a goal or an assist, his presence on the pitch was significant given his recent struggles. It marked a crucial opportunity for the midfielder to demonstrate his fitness under the watchful eye of the club’s new coaching staff.
The 33-year-old’s return comes at a vital time as he looks to put a disastrous debut campaign behind him. Last season, the Frenchman was restricted to a mere 133 minutes of competitive action as injury issues marred his first year back in France. After starting only one match - which came against Metz on May 2 - since joining the club, these pre-season minutes represent the first steps in what many hope will be a successful rehabilitation process for a player whose talent remains undisputed when healthy.
Pogba's journey to this point has been fraught with obstacles. Signed by Monaco in September 2024 following a mutual contract termination with Juventus, the midfielder arrived with high expectations. However, a combination of thigh, calf, and ankle injuries limited his availability. His debut for the club last November was his first competitive appearance in over 800 days, making his subsequent injury woes even harder to swallow. Now, with a full pre-season behind him, Pogba is aiming to rebuild his career.
Uncertain Future
Despite his return to match action, Pogba's long-term future in the Principality remains shrouded in doubt. Monaco's general manager, Thiago Scuro, has been remarkably candid about the possibility of the midfielder moving on during the current transfer window. "Yes, of course," Scuro stated when asked if a departure was on the cards. "Maybe he will leave, maybe he will stay. It's a very complicated subject. We have a lot of respect for the person first. When he arrived here, he was very positive, he helped the young players. But the truth is also that the project didn't work well last season."
The club is currently evaluating its squad depth and financial commitments as they prepare for a season in the Conference League. Scuro further elaborated on the disappointment of the previous year, noting that "when we started it, the expectations we had were very different." With Pogba entering the final twelve months of his contract and commanding a significant salary, the hierarchy is under pressure to decide whether to stick with the high-profile star or cut their losses and refresh the squad.
Pogba's wages are reportedly among the highest at the club, a factor that cannot be ignored when considering the financial fair play regulations that Monaco must adhere to. The club has a history of developing young talent and selling high, but Pogba was seen as a marquee signing to boost their profile. However, the lack of return on the pitch has turned him into a liability. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Pogba's market value has plummeted due to his injury record and suspension history.
The Role of Filipe Luis
The appointment of Filipe Luis as head coach has introduced a new dynamic to the situation, with the former Atletico Madrid defender carrying the responsibility of making a final tactical assessment. Luis is expected to use the remainder of the summer schedule to decide if Pogba can be integrated into his system. The manager’s high-intensity training sessions will serve as a trial for the veteran midfielder, who must prove he can still compete at the elite physical levels required for the modern game.
Scuro emphasised that the decision will be based entirely on performance and physical readiness. "I believe that now, we have to be fair with him: look at his preparation every week, see how he has progressed at the physical level, at the technical level," the director explained. "And after that it's going to be a coach's decision, if Filipe Luis is going to give him playing time or not. We have the summer to see what Paul's level will be."
Luis, who won numerous titles with Atletico Madrid and Chelsea, is known for his demanding training methods. He inherits a squad that finished sixth in Ligue 1 last season, missing out on European football. The new coach will need to assess whether Pogba can fit into his preferred 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 formations. Pogba's best position is as a box-to-box midfielder or attacking central midfielder, but his defensive contributions have often been questioned. Luis may prefer a more disciplined midfielder who can cover ground and press effectively.
Additionally, the relationship between Pogba and the coaching staff will be critical. In the past, Pogba has had mixed experiences with managers who demanded strict tactical discipline. At Manchester United, he clashed with Jose Mourinho but thrived under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer when given freedom. At Juventus, he was a key part of Max Allegri's system. Luis will need to find the right balance to get the best out of Pogba if he decides to keep him.
Pogba's Career Journey
Paul Pogba's career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Born in Lagny-sur-Marne, France, he rose through the ranks at Le Havre before joining Manchester United's academy in 2009. After limited first-team opportunities at United, he moved to Juventus in 2012, where he blossomed into one of the world's best midfielders. He won four Serie A titles and reached the Champions League final in 2015. In 2016, Manchester United re-signed him for a then-world record fee of £89 million.
His second stint at United was inconsistent. While he showed flashes of brilliance, his time was marred by injuries and off-field controversies. He won the Europa League and League Cup in his first season back, but the club failed to challenge for the Premier League title. In 2022, he left United on a free transfer and returned to Juventus. However, his second spell in Turin was even more troubled. A knee injury kept him out for most of the 2022-23 season, and then in August 2023, he was suspended for a doping violation after testing positive for testosterone. The suspension was initially four years but was later reduced to 18 months on appeal, allowing him to return in April 2025.
Following his return, Juventus terminated his contract in mutual agreement, leading to his move to Monaco. The doping ban and subsequent legal battles took a toll on his reputation and mental health. Pogba has spoken in interviews about the dark period in his life, describing his frustration and anger. Now, at 33, he faces the challenge of proving that he can still perform at the highest level.
His international career has been similarly eventful. Pogba was a key member of the French national team that won the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, scoring in the final against Croatia. He also helped France reach the final of Euro 2016 and the Round of 16 at Euro 2020. However, he has not played for Les Bleus since 2022, and his chances of being recalled depend entirely on his club form.
Monaco's Squad Evaluation
Monaco is undergoing a period of transition. After finishing sixth in Ligue 1 last season, the club missed out on Champions League football and will compete in the Europa Conference League this season. The board appointed Filipe Luis to replace the departed manager, with a mandate to implement a more attacking style of play. The pre-season schedule includes matches against Sporting CP and other European sides, providing opportunities for players to stake their claims.
Besides Pogba, Monaco has several other midfielders vying for spots. Players like Youssouf Fofana, who has been linked with a move away, and young talents such as Maghnes Akliouche and Soungoutou Magassa are part of the squad. The club also has experienced campaigners like Denis Zakaria and Aleksandr Golovin. Pogba's arrival was meant to add a different dimension, but his lack of playing time has made him a fringe figure.
The decision on Pogba's future will also be influenced by the financial implications. His high salary could be used to free up funds for new signings. Monaco has been active in the transfer market, bringing in players like George Ilenikhena and Lamine Camara. If Pogba leaves, the club could reinvest his wages in other areas. However, finding a buyer willing to match his salary may be difficult. Potential destinations include clubs in the Middle East or MLS, but Pogba has expressed a desire to continue playing in Europe.
Thiago Scuro has indicated that the club will make a decision by the end of the summer transfer window. "We have to be fair with him and with ourselves," Scuro said. "We will assess week by week. If he shows he can be an important player for us, then he will stay. If not, we will find the best solution for both sides."
Pogba has the talent to be a match-winner on his day. His vision, passing range, and physical presence are rare qualities. The question is whether his body and mind can hold up. The friendly against Saint-Priest, though only a small step, was a positive one. He completed 45 minutes without any visible discomfort, and his teammates praised his involvement. In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on Filipe Luis and his assessment. For now, the hope remains that Pogba can rediscover the form that made him a World Cup winner and one of the most expensive players in history.
Source: MSN News