Paul Pogba

[Socrates 8541]

 

Allegri: Pogba must prove himself worthy of Juventus No.10

The Bianconeri have ceded to the midfielder's request to wear the prestigious shirt
this season and his boss is now challenging him to become a club icon.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2557/news/2015/08/06/14212302/-?

 
Aug 6, 2015

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri says that the pressure is on Paul Pogba to prove himself worthy of the club's No.10 jersey.

The France international has been a revelation since joining the Bianconeri from Manchester United in 2012, playing an integral role in three successive Serie A title triumphs, as well as last season's run to the final of the Champions League.

However, Pogba has now taken on Juve's No.10 shirt, following Carlos Tevez's return to Boca Juniors, and Allegri says that the 22-year-old must do justice to a jersey previously worn by club legends such as Omar Sivori, Roberto Baggio and Alessandro Del Piero.

"Paul asked to wear No.10," the Bianconeri boss told reporters on Thursday. "In this sense, he will have the greatest responsibility [of all of Juve's players].

"Wearing this number will not be an easy thing because this jersey has been worn by the great players of Juventus."

Meanwhile, Allegri defended himself against allegations that Juve have mismanaged their players during the summer, given Alvaro Morata, Sami Khedira, Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli have all suffered muscular injures during pre-season.

"I'm sorry about the injuries to but we are calm about the situation and we hope to have them available again soon," the former AC Milan boss added.

"It was necessary to start work on July 20. We had guys that had only stopped playing in June.

"We're talking about footballers, not machines. I understand your alarm, but I'm the coach and the important thing is to be calm."

Given Khedira, recently arrived from Real Madrid, has been ruled out of action, it has been reported that Juve could look to strengthen in midfield before the close of the summer transfer window, while the Italian champions have not given up hope on signing Schalke attacker Julian Draxler.

However, Allegri says that he is solely interested in Saturday's Supercoppa Italiana showdown with Lazio in Beijing.

"There's no sense in speaking about the market at this time because we're only a few days away from our first appointment of the season," he stated.

"It's a delicate moment for us. Our preparations only started 20 days ago.

"We have prepared well in order to reach and obtain this first objective of the season.

"The important thing is to play a good game, which could last 120 minutes. We're in good physical condition, though."

[Socrates 8541]

 

Pogba Honoured To Wear Famous Number 10 Shirt For Juventus

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/08/pogba-honoured-to-wear-famous-number-10-shirt-for-juventus/?

 
Aug 6, 2015

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has said he is honoured to have been given the number 10 shirt.

The Bianconeri announced that the Frenchman will wear the famous shirt, previously worn for the Italian champions by footballing legends Michel Platini, Roberto Baggio and Alessandro Del Piero, and Pogba is honoured to be following in their footsteps.

“It’s an honour for me to wear the number 10 shirt of Juventus after great players,” the 22-year-old said via the club’s Twitter account.

He will first wear it in the Supercoppa Italiana against Lazio on August 8, moving away from his previous number six shirt.

He replaces Argentine striker Carlos Tevez as the wearer of number 10, after he completed a transfer to Boca Juniors.

JuventusFC ✔@juventusfc
.@paulpogba: "E' un onore per me indossare la maglia numero 10 della Juventus dopo grandissimi giocatori"

[Socrates 8541]

 

Rampulla: Pogba’s Value To Juventus Is Indisputable

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/08/rampulla-pogbas-value-to-juventus-is-indisputable/?

 
Aug 6, 2015

Former Juventus goalkeeper Michelangelo Rampulla has heaped praise on Paul Pogba following the announcement that the French ace will wear the famous number 10 shirt this season.

The shirt has previously been worn by legends such as Michel Platini, Alessandro Del Piero and Roberto Baggio.

“Pogba is a certain type of player, he is different from the last number tens at Juventus. But his value as a player is indisputable,” Rampulla told TuttoMercatoWeb.

“I do not know if he will remain in Turin. If a large offer comes in, for a club it means you can go on for many years and invest. Let’s not forget that Juve sold Zidane to 150 billion lire.”

Earlier this summer, Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta said he believes €90 million is the right amount should the Catalan club buy Pogba, with Rampulla quick to point out the midfielder is not the only star at Juve.

“There is also Buffon, Chiellini, Marchisio, Barzagli. It can still be a great Juve team.”

[Socrates 8541]

 

Rossi: Pogba Has A Lot To Do
Before Being Compared To Platini

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/08/rossi-pogba-has-a-lot-to-do-before-being-compared-to-platini/?

 
Aug 7, 2015

Paolo Rossi has commented on comparisons between Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba and Michel Platini, saying that there is a long way to go before such a comparison could truly be made.

The two Frenchman have been heralded as being alike by some, including Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola, but Italy legend Rossi has urged for a cautious approach before making strong statements.

“It is a comparison that is too risky,” Rossi told Premium Sport.

“I played with Platini and he really was a phenomenon, he had class and reasoned before others.

“Pogba may get to do important things, he has proved that he is a great player, but before being matched with Platini he has to do a lot.”

The 22-year-old recently claimed Juventus’ vacant number 10 shirt, hoping to follow in the footsteps of Bianconeri icons such as Alessandro Del Piero, after previous tenant Carlos Tevez moved to Boca Juniors.

[Socrates 8541]

 

Allegri: Pogba's best is yet to come

The 22-year-old is already regarded as one of Europe's top midfielders
and his coach expects him to mature even more this term.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2015/08/09/14292452/allegri-pogbas-best-yet-to-come?ICID=TP_HN_1

 
Aug 9, 2015

Massimiliano Allegri believes Paul Pogba will grow in stature this season following the departure of several big names at Juventus.

The 22-year-old is already regarded as one of Europe's top midfielders and has been the subject of bids from Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona this summer.

While Juve look set to hold on to Pogba for this season at least, several other key players have left the club, with Carlos Tevez, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal all departing.

Their exits means the France international will have greater responsibility this term, but Allegri has backed him to flourish under the additional weight of expectancy.

"I think that he has the capability to play as a top player, to understand the flow of the game," said the Juve boss. "Lest we forget that Pogba has played a lot of games for Juventus in the last few years since he arrived.

"He has grown a lot. And this season we expect a leap from him in terms of presence on the pitch so that his team mates can lean on him."

Allegri was speaking after his side secured the Supercoppa Italiana with a 2-0 win over Lazio in Shanghai, with the performance of goalscorer Mario Mandzukic - a close-season arrival from Atletico Madrid - particularly pleasing the head coach.

He added: "I think that Mandzukic is a great player otherwise I would not give my approval to bring him in.

"Apart from his character, I think that he moves very well in attack. Apart from the goal, I think he has also showed some good individual skills for our second goal.

"Its normal that he still needs to know his team-mates but I would say that I am very happy about his performance especially because he missed a great chance but then recovered immediately after by scoring the opener."

[Socrates 8541]

 

Marcello Lippi: Pogba The New Leader Of Juventus

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/08/marcello-lippi-pogba-the-new-leader-of-juventus/?

 
Aug 15, 2015

Former Juventus coach Marcello Lippi believes that Paul Pogba will play a key role in leading a new-look side this season.

The Bianconeri have undergone a squad overhaul throughout the summer transfer window, which saw the likes of Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo depart while Mario Mandzukic and Sami Khedira both made their way to the club.

And the 67-year-old coach insists that the host summer departures does not equate to a weaker team, and believes that the side’s clear philosophy still makes them favourites for a fifth Serie A title.

“Paul Pogba will be the new leader of Juve and he deserves the number 10 jersey,” he told Tuttosport.

“A different team does not mean it is not as strong: with clear ideas and the correct reinforcements, Juventus are still favorites.”

When questioned about Pirlo’s departure, Lippi claimed that Marchisio would undoubtedly step up to the void left behind by the midfield legend and laid his downs his predictions for the new season.

“The absence of Pirlo? Marchisio is a champion. I also hope that Del Piero to come home,” he continued.

“Roma have approached as challengers, Inter still needs time and Fiorentina intrigues me. AC Milan has done well in the market and could be tough to beat.”

[Socrates 8541]

 

Lippi: Genius Pogba is Juventus' natural leader

The former Bianconeri coach says the Frenchman is worthy of the No.10 shirt,
and tips Roma and AC Milan as their main challengers for the Scudetto.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2015/08/15/14457812/-?

 
Aug 15, 2015

Marcello Lippi has hailed Paul Pogba as a genius and expects him to show that he is Juventus' natural leader after he was assigned the club's iconic No.10 shirt.

The Serie A champions are preparing to defend their fourth consecutive Scudetto without the likes of Carlos Tevez, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal who left the club this summer, prompting the club to install Pogba as the new bearer of the coveted number.

And Lippi believes the Turin giants' faith in the 22-year-old will be rewarded, backing the starlet to come of age this season and realise his full potential despite growing interest from Europe's top sides.

"Pogba is a born leader, and he deserves the No.10," the former World Cup-winning boss told Tuttosport. "By choosing to stay at Juventus, he showed his character.

"Now he must confirm his leadership skills along with his genius, by dispensing with parts of his game that are needless, such as tricks that he does in some areas of the pitch."

Despite the summer exits of the Bianconeri's key players, Lippi does not expect their title credentials to have taken too much of a setback, although he acknolwedged the renewed threat coming from Roma and AC Milan.

"Juventus have a clear direction and have made the right signings so they are still the favourites," he continued. "They have been winning for four years so must be considered favourites.

"Paulo Dybala is a player who combines technical brilliance with fantasy, and will be a perfect player once he strengthens from a physical aspect.

"Still, Roma have substantially closed the gap with forwards like Edin Dzeko, Mohamed Salah to play alongside Francesco Totti and Juan Iturbe. Right behind Juve and Roma are Milan.

"Their team has been strengthened and they look more motivated under a coach like Sinisa Mihajlovic."

The new Serie A season kicks off on August 23, with Juventus beginning their title defence at home against Udinese.

[Socrates 8541]

 

Projecting Paul Pogba's 2015-16 season

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/8/16/9146879/paul-pogba-juventus-2015-16-projections-serie-a-HOT-TRANSFER-RUMORS

 
Aug 16, 2015

Paul Pogba is not the kind of player to just go ahead and back down from a challenge. Maybe he's able to do that because he's a whole lot better than a good portion of the players he's up against over the course of any given season. Or maybe it's because he's got the maturity of a 10-year veteran despite still being so incredibly young.

There's no doubting that Pogba's desire to be world class teamed with his amazing array of skills has brought him to where he is today. And the same goes for Pogba asking to wear Juventus' famed No. 10 jersey — he not only wants to be the guy who is expected to produce, he welcomes the responsibility that comes with a number that's expected to produce. That means after the first No. 10 after Alessandro Del Piero's two-decade reign in Turin, Carlos Tévez, spent two über-productive seasons in the No. 10 jersey, it's now Pogba's turn to make his own mark after wearing the No. 6 for three years.

Pogba has basically brought the pressure that comes with having Juventus' most famous jersey number upon himself.

To be completely honest with you, seeing some pictures of Pogba this summer and how absolutely jacked he is physically, he could probably hold his own in wrestling's beloved squared circle. That just happens when you're blessed with incredible strength and skill. Pogba's got the size and strength to shed away would-be tacklers. His insanely powerful shots have become YouTube, Vine and gif sensations across the interwebs.

But the main difference between Pogba's upcoming season and his past three in Turin is pretty easy to recognize.

This, for all intents and purposes, can be dubbed The Season of Pogba. It's not only because he has politely asked for and subsequently taken over as Juventus' No. 10. (Although that does add a good bit to the equation.) But with the summer departures of both Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal, Pogba's role in Juventus midfield has grown only that much more. Claudio Marchisio is still around, but Pogba is the star of the show as Il Principino flies under the radar despite continued awesomeness.

Throw in the fact that Pogba, at age 22, will be expected to star at the 2016 European Championships on his home soil 10 months from now and you have plenty of motivation for Pogba to take his already-impressive game to yet another level. And there's no doubting that he's capable of it, too. Now all that's left is for Pogba to actually do so.

We've seen him progress so much since he arrived in the summer of 2012 that it's hard to believe there's more room for Pogba to grow as a player. Yet, there is. Seriously, there is. He's still so young compared to some of the other elite players at his position in the game today that it's hard to think that anything other than "the sky's the limit" is applicable. Pogba's tally of eight Serie A goals last season was tied for second on the Juventus squad with Álvaro Morata. That's as a midfielder who played barely over 2,000 minutes in league play.

I mean, it's not even close to a common occurrence that Marcello Lippi is saying this about a player:

"Pogba is a born leader, and he deserves the No.10. By choosing to stay at Juventus, he showed his character. "Now he must confirm his leadership skills along with his genius, by dispensing with parts of his game that are needless, such as tricks that he does in some areas of the pitch."

(Source: Europsport)

That's what Lippi said about Pogba just a few short days ago. That's praise — and it's not the first time somebody has lauded the talent that Pogba brings to the table. He has garnered praise from some of the game's players both past and present.

No pressure, right? Right. But he can handle it.


PAUL POGBA 2015-16 PROJECTION (SERIE A ONLY)

Games: 33

Starts: 30

Goals: 11

Assists: 9

[Socrates 8541]

 

Verratti calls Pogba to PSG

http://www.football-italia.net/71138/verratti-calls-pogba-psg?

 
Aug 17, 2015

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti has named Juventus’ Paul Pogba as the Ligue 1 side’s ideal transfer target.

PSG are among the clubs linked with the Frenchman, with the Bianconeri already turning down an €80m bid from Barcelona.

“The ideal transfer target for PSG?” Verratti considered in an interview with Goal.

“Right now, I really like Pogba. I know that some of the biggest clubs are keeping tabs on him.

“He is an excellent midfielder, one of the best around in the game.”

The Italian international had earlier admitted that he would consider a return to Italy one day, having never played in Serie A after leaving Pescara for Paris.

[Socrates 8541]

 

Chelsea: Cuadrado for Pogba?

http://www.football-italia.net/71295/chelsea-cuadrado-pogba?

 
Aug 19, 2015

English sources claim Chelsea offered Juan Cuadrado plus cash for Paul Pogba after Juventus showed interest in the Colombian.

The Daily Express and Betfair slashed the odds on Pogba joining Chelsea after the Stamford Bridge side beat Manchester United to Barcelona talent Pedro.

Pogba has also been repeatedly linked with Manchester City despite his €100m price-tag.

Today’s rumours are that Cuadrado will be included as part of Chelsea’s proposal for the French midfielder.

“Cuadrado? Perhaps he could be on the market this summer,” Juventus director Beppe Marotta told Sky Sport Italia today.

“The characteristics we are looking for are different, but there are 10 days to cover the gap we’ve got in midfield. We’ll see what happens.”

The Bianconeri are interested in ex-Fiorentina winger Cuadrado, but only on loan with non-mandatory option to buy.

In the same interview, Marotta also confirmed that there had been offers for Pogba, “but we never entered negotiations with anybody.”

The 22-year-old has been given the iconic Number 10 jersey this season, a sign of their faith in his long-term future.

“I will play wherever the Coach wants me to. If I can help the team, then I always want to do that,” said Pogba after scoring in a friendly game against the Juve youth team today.

[Socrates 8541]

 

Juve reject Chelsea Pogba advances

http://www.football-italia.net/71407/juve-reject-chelsea-pogba-advances?

 
Aug 21, 2015

Juventus continue to slam the door on Chelsea despite an increased offer in the region of €100m.

According to The Sun newspaper, Jose Mourinho’s side agreed terms for a transfer fee worth £69m (€95m).

Sky Sport Italia confirm an offer, but insist Juventus will refuse to part with the 22-year-old midfielder this season.

The club gave Pogba their iconic Number 10 jersey and, after parting with Carlos Tevez, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal, will build their team around the Frenchman.

Barcelona had previously been considered the hot favourites to tempt Pogba away, but their attempts were also rebuffed.

After Manchester City spent big on Raheem Sterling, Chelsea suddenly stepped up their interest in the former Manchester United man.

However, Juve have no financial problems and no intention of selling Pogba this summer.

[Socrates 8541]

 

Chelsea Transfer News: Latest on Paul Pogba

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2554672-chelsea-transfer-news-latest-on-paul-pogba-and-john-stones-rumours?

 
Aug 25, 2015

Chelsea are doing their utmost to facilitate a deal to sign Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba in the last knockings of the transfer window due to concerns Barcelona could snap him up next summer.

That’s according to David Woods of the Daily Star, who wrote the Blues are “desperately” trying to sort something out before the deadline passes in a week’s time and are willing to break the bank to do so. It’s reported that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich was initially only keen to part with £60 million for the Frenchman, but he could now offer a whopping £73 million.

Chelsea’s interest will be understandable for anyone who has taken in their early matches. The Blues have looked a little lightweight in midfield, with Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic well short of the standards they set last season.

As we can see here via Squawka Football, the former in particular is really struggling for form:

Squawka Football ✔@Squawka
Cesc Fabregas misplaced 16 passes vs. West Brom, Cheikhou Kouyate (18) is the only Premier League player to misplace more this weekend.

Pogba would certainly stiffen up the Blues in this area of the pitch. During his time in Turin he’s become one of the most well-rounded midfielders anywhere in world football and he’d bring a much more comprehensive edge to the Chelsea engine room. Even for a sum as inflated as £73 million, the 22-year-old could still prove to be fine value for money.

However, despite what would be a stratospheric offer, it’s claimed Juve are set to keep Pogba beyond this window. “There's no money able to get Pogba this year,” said an “Italian source” cited by Woods. “But he will be sold next year 100 per cent, with Barcelona his likely destination.”

As noted by Bleacher Report’s Gianni Verschueren, given the sales made by the Bianconeri in this window, Pogba won’t be going anywhere:

Gianni Verschueren @ReverschPass
Just a reminder Griezmann's release clause was increased YESTERDAY and Pogba isn't moving with Pirlo + Vidal gone and Khedira injured. Sorry

Rightly so, too. Turin remains the best place for Pogba to develop for the time being and this season there will be an added responsibility on him that'll only enrich his overall development. Chelsea may look to prise him away with a lucrative offer before the deadline, but Juventus have no need to sell and will stand firm as a result.

[Socrates 8541]

 

Chelsea Must Pay A Mammoth €115 Million To Sign Pogba

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/08/chelsea-must-pay-a-mammoth-e115-million-to-sign-juventus-midfielder/?

 
Aug 29, 2015

Juventus will only sell Paul Pogba for a monumental €115 million.

The French starlet is one of the most important players in the Bianconeri squad and the Italians don’t want to let him go despite interest from Spanish giants Barcelona and English Premier League club Chelsea.

The Spaniards look likely to postpone their attempts to sign him until next summer which clears the path for Chelsea to persuade the reigning Serie A champions to let the 22-year-old go, but the Daily Express reports that they want at least a huge €115 million for his services.

It also reports that Pogba demands a salary of around €437,000 a week to play at Stamford Bridge.

That wage would surpass the current highest earner in the Chelsea squad, which is Belgium international forward Eden Hazard.

[Socrates 8541]

 

France Coach Feels Pogba Must Adapt To Changes

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/09/france-coach-feels-juventus-midfielder-must-adapt-to-changes/?

 
Sep 1, 2015

French national team coach Didier Deschamps has said that Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba should not be blamed for the Bianconeri’s slow start to the season.

The former France and Juventus midfielder believes that Pogba is struggling because of the departures of key personnel and that the 22-year-old needs to get used to playing with his new team-mates.

“I am neither disappointed nor worried about these first few games,” Deschamps told Tuttosport.

“Paul is the icon in the squad who is suffering in this start to the season.

“Evidently you can’t easily replace anyone of the calibre of Pirlo, Tevez and Vidal.

“There were automatic mechanisms in the team that worked for two years and today the balance in the squad is less obvious.

“I would also add that Claudio Marchisio is missing, which does not help.

“Paul has not lost his qualities overnight but out of the three central midfielders from previous seasons, now only he remains with two different players by his side.

“Obviously, new systems and points of reference are needed when you have lived to play always with the same people for two years.”

[Socrates 8541]

 

Marotta: ‘€100m not enough for Pogba’

http://www.football-italia.net/72458/marotta-%E2%80%98%E2%82%AC100m-not-enough-pogba%E2%80%99?

 
Sep 2, 2015

Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta says ‘€100m will not be enough’ for Paul Pogba if he continues to develop.

The Bianconeri rejected an €80m bid from Barcelona for the midfielder, and there were reports Chelsea were preparing an even bigger offer.

“We’ve invested so much, partly because there were gaps in the squad,” Marotta explained in a Press conference.

“The departures of [Andrea] Pirlo and [Carlos] Tevez didn’t generate any revenue, or very little, given their age.

“What I’ve noticed is that we’re in a particular market, and next year values will increase by 30 or 40 per cent.

“I’ve noticed how the Premier League has become richer, and we’ve seen clubs buying players for what would have been crazy prices until recently, but are very normal today.

“Next year I predict even bigger deals. If Pogba maintains his level of performance from last year, then €100m will not be enough to get him.”

[Socrates 8541]

 

Chelsea Transfer News: Paul Pogba
to Cost Blues £73M, Top Rumours

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2560215-chelsea-transfer-news-paul-pogba-to-cost-blues-73m-top-rumours?

 
Sep 2, 2015

Paul Pogba will push Chelsea's spending powers to the limit after Juventus confirmed that they believe the midfielder will be worth in excess of £73 million next summer.

According to Neil McLeman of the Mirror, Old Lady director general Giuseppe Marotta said that he believes the Frenchman will soon be worth over €100 million:

We decided to keep Pogba despite significant offers from foreign clubs. In future, he will be worth over €100 million. I’ve noticed how the Premier League has become richer, and we’ve seen clubs buying players for what would have been crazy prices until recently, but are very normal today. If Pogba continues his performance of last season, I think next year, €100 million will not suffice.

McLeman noted that the Italian champions rejected bids from Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain for the prized midfielder, clearly waiting for what would be close to a world-record approach for the former Manchester United youngster.

The 22-year-old has excelled in Serie A since leaving Old Trafford and is now regarded as one of the premium talents in world football.

Pogba has made 78 appearances for Juve in the past two seasons in Serie A and Europe, according to WhoScored.com, scoring 16 times and providing 14 assists from his central berth. The No. 10 has continued to develop his all-round game and would suit Blues manager Jose Mourinho's midfield tactics.

Tony Banks of the Express said that Chelsea pursued Pogba up until deadline day, but Juventus' refusal to negotiate terms and the player's £318,000-per-week wage demands killed any thoughts of a deal.

Banks said that Mourinho was looking for a marquee signing after Chelsea's poor start to the defence of their Premier League crown, but no star entity was able to be purchased.

The Blues also had a fourth bid for John Stones rejected by Everton—this time a huge £37 million offer, according to Banks—leaving Chelsea short of world-class investments. The Premier League champions are now prepared to go back in for Pogba in 12 months' time and will battle Barcelona to land the prodigy.

BeIN Sports' Tancredi Palmeri provided substance behind Chelsea's last-minute move for the player, saying Juve were inquiring about midfielders just in case Pogba dramatically landed at Stamford Bridge:

Again! Chelsea and Juventus had another contact for Pogba in the night! Chelsea have said to be ready to up the 120m€ bid

Pogba is the kind of signing both Mourinho and Chelsea supporters want, but he won't come cheap—no matter when he leaves Turin.

At United, his potential was always there to see, but Sir Alex Ferguson made a huge mistake in letting him leave when he should have been picking the teenager for his first team.

Mourinho is the perfect coach for Pogba, as the Special One developed Eden Hazard's game, which provides a blueprint for the next stage of the Frenchman's career.

Pogba looks set to become one of the highest-paid footballers on the planet, whether he moves to London or finds his way to La Liga.

[Socrates 8541]

 

Pogba turned down Chelsea?

http://www.football-italia.net/72510/pogba-turned-down-chelsea?

 
Sep 3, 2015

Reports in France suggest Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba turned down a move to Chelsea.

The former Manchester United man has been the subject of intense speculation surrounding his future, with Bianconeri general manager Giuseppe Marotta warning he would cost over €100m.

One of the teams linked with a move for Pogba is English Premier League side Chelsea, and today’s edition of L’Equipe reports that manager Jose Mourinho personally tried to convince the 22-year-old to move to Stamford Bridge.

The sports newspaper reports that Mourinho called Pogba in August, but was unable to convince the player, who would prefer to move to Real Madrid or Barcelona if he leaves Turin.

L’Equipe also notes that the Old Lady were unwilling to sell, and while there was no official bid from Chelsea, initial talks made it clear that Juve were not willing to negotiate.

[Socrates 8541]

 

Kondogbia: ‘Pogba never an enemy’

http://www.football-italia.net/72560/kondogbia-%E2%80%98pogba-never-enemy%E2%80%99?

 
Sep 4, 2015

Inter midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia believes Juventus are still favourites for the Scudetto, and discusses his friendship with Paul Pogba.

The Nerazzurri have won their first two Serie A games, while the defending champions have lost consecutive matches.

However, the 22-year-old believes it will still be difficult to finish above the Old Lady and his good friend Pogba.

“Pogba and I will never be enemies,” Kondogbia told Sky.

“I think our friendship is stronger than football. The fact remains that we’re both professionals. When we face Juventus I’ll do everything to be better than Paul, and he’ll have the same attitude to me.

“It’s a healthy rivalry, nothing more than that. It’s true that so far we have six points more than them, because we started well, but Juventus are still favourites.”

Kondogbia was also asked for his thoughts on another Bianconeri midfielder, new signing Mario Lemina.

“I know him very well, we won the Under-20s World Cup together. He can be very useful both defensively and going forward.”

[Socrates 8541]

 

Chelsea Transfer News: Paul Pogba
Rejected £62m Blues Transfer

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2561229-chelsea-transfer-news-paul-pogba-rejected-62m-blues-transfer-top-rumours?

 
Sep 4, 2015

Paul Pogba sensationally turned down a £62 million transfer to Chelsea this summer, despite Juventus prepared to sell at the price.

Italian publication giornalaccio rosa Dello Sport (h/t Frank Leach of the Mail Online) reported the Serie A champions had settled on an amount for the sale of the French superstar—but the player pulled the plug on the deal.

The 22-year-old met with his agent Mino Raiola to discuss the potential transfer, per Leach, but opted to remain in Turin as the club goes through a transitional period of rebuilding after the sales of Carlos Tevez and Arturo Vidal.

Leach also says Pogba's decision led to the collapse of John Obi Mikel's transfer to Besiktas, with Jose Mourinho blocking the player's exit from west London.

Mourinho is said to have personally involved himself in trying to lure Pogba, "pleading" with the player to join the Blues, as reported by French newspaper L'Equipe (h/t James Cambridge of the Express.)

Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta has recently spoken out about the value of Pogba to the Old Lady, hinting the cited £62 million will not be enough in future transfer windows, per Neil McLeman of the Mirror:

We decided to keep Pogba despite significant offers from foreign clubs. In future, he will be worth over €100 million.

I’ve noticed how the Premier League has become richer, and we’ve seen clubs buying players for what would have been crazy prices until recently, but are very normal today.

If Pogba continues his performance of last season, I think next year, €100 million will not suffice.

Pogba has made 78 appearances for his club in the past two seasons in Serie A and Europe, according to WhoScored.com, scoring 16 times and providing 14 assists from central midfield. Chelsea have looked sluggish in midfield at the start of the campaign, and the Pogba revelations could indicate why the Special One desired a new top-class central operator.

However, the Mirror's David Anderson believes Chelsea never stood a chance of capturing Pogba despite the huge fee, as the player has his heart on joining the champions of Spain and Europe:

David Anderson @MirrorAnderson
I'm surprised Chelsea thought they could get Pogba. Man City tried and took the hint because he seems set on a move to Barca next summer.

Pogba will continue to be one of the most wanted players on the planet, but Chelsea's staleness in midfield will need to be addressed internally by their host of talented operators.

[Socrates 8541]

 

New Carpi Midfielder Looking Forward To Facing Pogba

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/09/new-carpi-midfielder-looking-forward-to-facing-juventus-star/?

 
Sep 5, 2015

Carpi midfielder Federico Gino has said that he is looking forward to playing against Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba this season.

The Serie A newcomers signed the 22-year-old from Uruguayan club Defensor Sporting and Gino recalled how his Uruguay side lost to Pogba’s France at the FIFA U-20 World Cup two years ago.

“It was a unique experience that I will never forget,” Gino said in a press conference. “We succeeded in reaching the final against a great France composed of players that have all played in teams from important leagues.

“In that moment Pogba already was an established player. I am happy to have the new opportunity to challenge him in Serie A.”

[Socrates 8541]

 

Pogba snubbed Chelsea for Barca?

http://www.football-italia.net/72627/pogba-snubbed-chelsea-barca?

 
Sep 6, 2015

Mundo Deportivo claim Paul Pogba rejected a huge Chelsea offer because he’ll only leave Juventus for Barcelona.

Jose Mourinho and Roman Abramovich pushed hard to get the Frenchman this summer, reportedly offering €100m to the club and a €12m per year salary.

However, both were turned down immediately and Pogba given new responsibility with the iconic Number 10 shirt.

According to Mundo Deportivo newspaper in Spain, the real reason behind the rejection was Barcelona.

It’s claimed Pogba has his heart set on the Blaugrana and will only accept a move away from Juve for the European giants.

Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Manchester City and his old club Manchester United have also made attempts to sign the French talent.

Pogba is currently the highest-paid player at Juve on €4.5m per season.

[Socrates 8541]

 

PAUL POGBA TOPS JUVENTUS
SALARIES FOR 2015/16

http://www.juvefc.com/pogba-tops-juventus-salaries-for-201516/?

 
Sep 6, 2015

Juventus have the highest wage bill in Serie A with Paul Pogba the Bianconeri’s top earner on €4.5m.

giornalaccio rosa Dello Sport published a full list of Serie A salaries for the coming season and it seems Italian clubs are spending more than before.

Juventus top the largest overall wage bill in the league, paying out €124m in total with Pogba and Gigi Buffon at the top of the list.

[image from giornalaccio rosa Dello Sport]

Juve’s Max Allegri is the second highest earning coach in the league netting €3.5m with Inter’s Roberto Mancini leading the list on €4m.

[image from giornalaccio rosa Dello Sport]

A full break-down of Juve salaries is outlined below:

[image from giornalaccio rosa Dello Sport]

[Socrates 8541]

 

Pogba tells Barcelona: I might stay at Juventus

The midfielder has suggested he could continue to dismiss
overtures from the Catalans and stay with the Scudetto holders.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2015/09/06/15094562/-?

 
Sep 6, 2015

Paul Pogba has revealed he is considering ignoring interest from Barcelona to stay at Juventus for the foreseeable future.

The central midfielder, 22, was heavily linked with a Turin departure in the recently closed transfer window, but Juve reportedly rejected Barca's €80 million offer in July.

With a host of other clubs also alleged to be keen on signing Pogba – Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City included – it has become a matter of when the Frenchman will leave Juve, rather than if.

However, Pogba has stressed he is comfortable at the 2015 Champions League finalists and he wants to help turn around Juve's poor start to the season, in which they lost both of their opening Serie A fixtures.

"It was not the right time for me to go, and I could very well remain at Juventus," he told Telefoot. "Right now, I'm still happy to be there. We will finish the season and then we'll see again.

"Has a Barca deal been struck in January? I don't know, for now I'm at Juventus and I'm focused only on them because we haven't started well. As for the rest, we'll see."

[Socrates 8541]

 

Pogba: 'No reason to leave Juve'

http://www.football-italia.net/72634/pogba-no-reason-leave-juve?

 
Sep 6, 2015

Paul Pogba said he has “no reason to leave Juventus, but I don’t know how long I’ll stay.”

The midfielder has been valued at over €100m and the Bianconeri turned down a huge proposal from Chelsea last month.

“Why did I stay? Because I had no reason to leave,” Pogba told Telefoot in France.

“My departure was never certain. I could happily have remained and indeed that’s what happened. I am at Juve and happy to be here.

“I don’t know how long I’ll stay.”

While Chelsea show interest, Italian, Spanish and French media believe he’ll only move for Barcelona.

When asked about the Blaugrana, Pogba’s response was open-ended.

“Right now I am focused only on doing well this year. At the end of the season we’ll see.”

[Socrates 8541]

 

Tacchinardi: 'Pogba not a leader'

http://www.football-italia.net/72645/tacchinardi-pogba-not-leader?

 
Sep 6, 2015

Alessio Tacchinardi believes Paul Pogba “is not a leader and Juventus must reconstruct without Carlos Tevez.”

Pogba has been given Tevez’s Number 10 jersey, but former Bianconeri star Tacchinardi is unimpressed.

“Pogba is not a leader, both for his age and the position he holds on the field. At 22 we cannot expect him to carry the team on his shoulders,” Tacchinardi told the Corriere dello Sport.

“Last season Tevez did exactly that, turning many games and keeping the ball even when it was under pressure.

“Without the Argentine, Juve are a house without foundations and must reconstruct. Pogba is a great player with the character to handle the Number 10 shirt, but obviously he’s not the Apache.

“It’s only natural to have some difficulties when changing so much. The club knew it would require some patience too.

“When Zinedine Zidane left, for example, we took a while to get back on track. At the same time, players like Pavel Nedved, Gigi Buffon and Lilian Thuram arrived, people accustomed to working under pressure.

“Above all in attack, Juve currently have players who are young and still need to make the final step up in quality.

“Nonetheless, I am sure Juventus will fight back with pride and win the Scudetto again.”