Paul Pogba

[Socrates 8296]

 

Pirlo Suggests Juventus Star
Should Learn From Yaya Toure

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/02/pirlo-suggests-juventus-star-should-learn-from-yaya-toure/?

 
Feb 8, 2016

New York City FC’s Andrea Pirlo has told his ex Juventus teammate Paul Pogba he should follow in Yaya Toure’s footsteps as he revealed his current Premier League XI.

The Italian midfielder shared the Juventus Stadium’s dressing room with the Frenchman between 2012 and 2015, after making a vital contribution to bring the Scudetto back to Turin in 2012 under Antonio Conte.

“Maybe Toure is not as consistent as he once was, but can still dominate a game,” the 36-year-old told Shortlist.

“I told Paul that Yaya and Patrick Vieira are the two players he should try and replicate, and he can.”

Pirlo joined the Major League Soccer side in 2015, and although being linked with an Inter switch during the last transfer window he decided not to leave the United States.

Former Serie A star Alexis Sanchez was also named in Pirlo’s ideal squad of Premier League players, with the Chilean currently at title challengers Arsenal.

[Socrates 8296]

 

CONTE WANTS POGBA AT CHELSEA IF
HE TAKES OVER AT STAMFORD BRIDGE

Italy boss Antonio Conte has been heavily linked with taking over the top job

at Chelsea FC this summer. The former Juventus coach is reportedly intent on a reunion

with France superstar Paul Pogba should he take over the reins at Stamford Bridge.

http://www.thehardtackle.com/news/2016/02/11/conte-wants-pogba-at-chelsea-fc-if-he-takes-over-at-stamford-bridge-verratti-also-among-italians-transfer-targets/?

 
Feb 11, 2016

Chelsea will be in the market for a new manager in the summer and Antonio Conte has featured heavily in the backpages as one of the top targets to take over the reigns from Guus Hiddink. The former Juventus boss is currently managing Italy but is said to be keen on a return to club management after his contract expires at the culmination of the 2016 European Championship in France.

As reported by Mail Online, talks have already taken place between Chelsea and Conte in January, and are set to resume in March. The report claims that the 46-year-old recently turned down an offer from the Italian football federation (FIGC) to discuss a new deal beyond the Euros.

The most interesting claim in the report is that Conte handed the Blues a list of players he would want at Stamford Bridge should he take over and Juventus superstar Paul Pogba is on the top of that list. The 22-year-old is also sought by the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, and there will be no shortage of clubs vying for his signature in the summer.

The list also includes Atlético Madrid’s promising young Uruguayan centre-back José Giménez, as well as PSG duo Marco Verratti and Ezequiel Lavezzi. The latter is set to be closing in on a move to the Chinese Super League, hence making him a difficult prospect for Chelsea.

MailOnline Sport ✔ @MailSport
Antonio Conte to target £70m Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba if he becomes Chelsea manager


Signing Pogba would require a miracle

The France international is one of the most sought-after footballers in the world at the moment and it would take nothing short of a miracle for Chelsea FC to bring him to London. Not only are the Blues unlikely to participate in next season’s Champions League, but they might also have to be wary about committing what will be a huge amount in light of the stadium expansion and the loss of revenue as a consequence of not being involved in Europe’s premier club competition.

Similarly, Marco Verratti is an unrealistic target while Atlético Madrid are unlikely to part with a player who appears to be the natural heir to their current defensive stalwart Diego Godín. Antonio Conte will find such top players extremely difficult to sign if he takes over as manager in the summer, not least because of the fact that he will have to focus his attention on the Euros for most of the summer.

[Socrates 8296]

 

Pogba mentality must improve to
match Zidane and Platini - Mauro

The former Juventus midfielder believes the player has the quality to match the French icons,
but feels his mental weaknesses could hold him back from reaching his potential.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2016/02/11/20249932/-?

 
Feb 11, 2016

Paul Pogba needs to improve his mentality in order to fulfill his potential and reach the heights of Michel Platini and Zinedine Zidane, according to former Juventus midfielder Massimo Mauro.

The France international has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world since joining Juve from Manchester United in 2012.

Pogba, 22, has won three Serie A titles, the Coppa Italia and helped Juve reach the final of the Champions League during his time in Turin and was named the Best Young Player at the 2014 World Cup and selected for the Fifa FIFPro World XI in 2015.

But Mauro, a winner of two Serie A titles with Juve and Napoli, believes Pogba still needs to make some mental improvements to reach the level of French icons Platini and Zidane.

"Pogba has got the quality [to become like Platini and Zidane for Juve]," he told Omnisport. "Quality-wise he is extraordinary.

"To become like them he hasn't got to touch the ball too much when there is no need, he hasn't got to wave his arms and complain when he doesn't receive a pass, he doesn't have to show the thousands in attendance that his team-mates don't move.

"If you do that, you are not a world-class player, you don't gel in the team. He is very young.

"I hope he will understand pretty soon that to be a reference point for a very important club and a top player you have to improve from the behavioural point of view. To be good at playing football is not enough

"He has to develop a winning mentality. A youngster has to realise what makes you a winner. Either you have it in yourself but only age is preventing you from showing it or you will never become a leader, therefore a great in football."

[Socrates 8296]

 

Pogba 'offers himself' to Barca

http://www.football-italia.net/79798/pogba-offers-himself-barca

 
Feb 13, 2016

Spanish media are claiming that Juventus' Paul Pogba 'offered himself' to Barcelona for a transfer.

The midfielder is valued at around €100m and Barcelona is one of the most likely destinations for a hypothetical transfer.

What Pogba will actually do over the summer is a subject of ongoing and contentious debate, and the Catalan publication Sport have added their point of view.

They title on the first page that Pogba offered himself up to the Blaugrana.

They also argue that the Catalan club's strategy is to use the will of the player as a backup to try and obtain a discount from Juventus from the famous €100m price-tag.

However the story is not corroborated by any quotes by the player or his agent.

[Socrates 8296]

 

Pogba: I Want To Win The European Championships

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/02/pogba-i-want-to-win-the-european-championships/?

 
Feb 14, 2016

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba says he is determined to lift the European Championships for France in his native country this summer.

The midfielder helped the Bianconeri regain top spot in Serie A with a vital 1-0 victory over Napoli on Saturday evening.

“I will do everything to win the European Championships,” Pogba told Telefoot.

“I have so much to learn, I have so much to improve.

“I’m not one who sleeps on his laurels.”

The Frenchman has been touted by many as a future Ballon d’Or victor but Pogba acknowledges the hard work needed to reach the top.

“I do not play to finish second, I want to be the best,” he added.

“Sure, I believe I can win it, but I am a nobody at the moment, I’m not a star.

“I have not won anything yet.”

[Socrates 8296]

 

Raiola: 'Pogba-Barca nonsense'

http://www.football-italia.net/79881/raiola-pogba-barca-nonsense?

 
Feb 14, 2016

Paul Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola slammed “nonsense” reports the Juventus midfielder offered himself to Barcelona.

The story appeared in Catalan newspaper Sport yesterday, claiming Pogba was prepared to lower his wage demands and force Juve to cut the €100m price-tag.

“Sport.es L. Sanz 13/2 b green nt waste paper. Mistake Pogba 4 som1. Easier I'm Guardiola agent then Paul offer self,” wrote agent Raiola on Twitter.

“Sport Spain article is a non-sense. Do they also think Messi is calling Madrid?”

[Socrates 8296]

 

Paul Pogba Reveals Lionel Messi 'Advice' Amid Rumours

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2616589-barcelona-transfer-news-paul-pogba-reveals-lionel-messi-advice-amid-rumours?

 
Feb 14, 2016

Juventus star Paul Pogba continues to be linked with a transfer move to Barcelona, and his revelation he had an “intimate” talk with Lionel Messi at the Ballon d'Or gala will only add fuel to the fire.

As reported by Catalan-based daily Sport, the French midfielder sat down with Telefoot on Sunday for an interview in which he revealed the two stars had a conversation at the gala, where the Argentinian gave him some advice: "Leo Messi gave me some advice. I play to be No. 1, I don't want to be No. 2. My challenge is to win the Ballon d'Or."

Sport (h/t MailOnline's Nicholas Godden) previously claimed Pogba is desperate to play for the Catalans and that he will decline moves to Manchester City and Chelsea to make his dreams come true.

The report even claimed he'd be willing to take a pay cut, which is significant news given Barcelona's financial issues. The Catalans can't afford to add to their wage bill, the reason why forward Neymar continues to be linked with a move away as well, per Sky Sports' Guillem Balague:

Barcelona cannot afford to give new contracts to Lionel Messi, Suarez and Neymar as it stands - financially they do not have the power to do so. They need to bring a lot of money in, if they do that they will be able to keep them, but if they don't they may have to get rid of one. That's why Neymar keeps leaving the door open for United and others.

The club is struggling to find the money to hand new contracts to its top players as it stands—adding even more simply isn't a possibility at this moment.

But that won't stop the local press from linking high-priced players with a move to the Camp Nou, per La Liga blogger Rafael Hernandez:

Rafael Hernández @RafaelH117
Pogba, Dybala and other €70m+ players will continue to be linked with Barça, but situation hasn’t changed, financial constraints persist.

Pogba has rebounded after a sloppy start to the season and once again looks like the best young midfielder in the world, playing a key role in Juventus' resurgence and rise to the top of the Serie A standings.

The Bianconeri were always likely to struggle after losing midfield stars Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo during the summer, and no one struggled more than Pogba, who was tasked to pick up the pieces and tried to do too much on his own.

Once Sami Khedira and Claudio Marchisio returned from injury, Pogba started playing his best football again, however, leading to a spot on UEFA's Team of the Year, per the organisation's official website.

Pogba remains a divisive player who can sometimes disappear for large stretches of a match only to steal the show with an incredible piece of skill or a stunning long-range goal. But while consistency may still elude him, it's easy to forget he's still just 22 years old, and his long-term potential is still off the charts.

He has already won three Serie A titles and played a big part in Juventus' run to the UEFA Champions League final last season. Those are sensational accomplishments for such a young player. Pogba very much looks like a future Ballon d'Or winner, and any club in world football would love to add him to their squad.

Juventus have done a fantastic job of keeping their young talent at the club in recent years, however, and they are not a selling club. Unless a team is willing to spend a huge amount of money, the Italians will not be tempted to sell.

Even if Pogba is willing to take a pay cut, Barcelona would still have to find a way to put together enough cash to convince the Bianconeri, and that will not be an easy feat.

[Socrates 8296]

 

Manchester City Become Favourites To Land Pogba

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/02/manchester-city-become-favourites-to-sign-juventus-star/?

 
Feb 15, 2016

Manchester City may well have become favourites to sign Juventus’ Paul Pogba, after potential suitors Barcelona reportedly pulled out of a proposed deal to sign the player.

The in-demand Frenchman has been a notable target for a number of clubs during recent months, although it was previously expected that Catalonia was to be Pogba’s expected destination for the not too distant future.

However, the Daily Mirror have now reported that the Blaugrana are to reject the chance to sign the 22-year-old due to financial limitations, and will instead continue their search for a young defender.

Therefore, this leaves Manchester City with the perfect opportunity to land the Juventus star, who could potentially leave Turin for an estimated €100 million transfer fee.

However, the Citizens may also face stiff competition from Spanish giants, Real Madrid, whose coach Zinedine Zidane, has already expressed a keen interest in signing his French compatriot.

Since leaving Manchester United for the Bianconeri in 2012, Pogba has gone on to make 112 domestic appearances for the club, winning three Serie A titles in the process.

[Socrates 8296]

 

Paul Pogba Lacking Consistency to Be
Considered a World-Class Player

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2617050-paul-pogba-lacking-consistency-to-be-considered-a-world-class-player?

 
Feb 17, 2016

With other recognisable stars like Andrea Pirlo and Carlos Tevez having moved on, Paul Pogba has arguably become the most recognisable player at Juventus. Of course club captain Gigi Buffon remains hugely prominent, but even the great goalkeeper has taken something of a back seat to his young team-mate.

Whether dabbing in celebration of his latest goal, showing off a new haircut or being discussed in transfer rumours, the 22-year-old is never far from the news. Catalan newspaper Sport last week went so far as to say he had offered himself to Barcelona, per Eurosport.

Juventus have of course denied that, with director general Beppe Marotta telling Gr Parlamento (h/t Football Italia) that Pogba is “a great player” and that “he’s an important asset for our club, and we’ll hold on tight to him.”

His growth over the past three seasons has been incredible, going from being an unused reserve at Manchester United to a major part of last year’s double-winning Bianconeri. Reaching the Champions League final raised his profile further still, and his native France hosting this summer’s European Championships will almost certainly add to that.

Yet for all his wide-ranging and constantly improving skills, there is one factor Pogba has yet to bring to his game; consistency.

Indeed, while he is capable of—and already has—single-handedly decided the outcome of matches for the Turin giants, those occasions are all too rare, with his ineffectual displays still far outnumbering his top-drawer performances.

Looking at his most eye-catching recent outing, Pogba was undeniably brilliant in Juve’s comprehensive 4-0 rout of Chievo, scoring one goal and creating another in a wonderful all-round display.

Adam Digby @Adz77
Paul Pogba #ChievoJuve 9(!) shots, 1 goal, 1 assist, 62/70 passes, 4/6 take-ons, 3 tackles, 1 int (via @StatsZone)

He also connected with 62 of his 70 pass attempts (88.6 percent), completing four of the six take-ons he tried while also making three tackles, one interception and 10 ball recoveries.

It was a display that showcased his full potential, but stands in stark contrast with the contributions he has made since. One need not look too far for examples, with WhoScored.com showing the match against Frosinone just a week later saw him take seven shots, commit two fouls and turn the ball over on no fewer than six occasions.

That is the Pogba that Juventus supporters have become far more accustomed to, a side to his game that does not make the highlight reels or appear in easily digestible gifs, but it is also a factor which separates the good players from the truly great.

Coach Massimiliano Allegri has repeatedly spoken of the need for improvement, telling a press conference in November that Pogba needs to read certain moments of the game better,” and it is a theme he has returned to throughout the campaign.

Even in the media gathering after that aforementioned victory over Chievo, the Juve boss spoke about how Pogba could have done more, again discussing the “room for improvement” and pointing out how he could’ve placed a particular shot more accurately.

Fortunately for Allegri and the Bianconeri, it is a mindset the player himself shares, explaining his desire to become even better in a recent interview with Telefoot, per Mark Rodden of ESPN FC:

I'm not going to get a big head. I've done nothing in football. I haven't won the Champions League. I've won the Scudetto but I'm nothing for the moment. I still have to develop, to learn.

I'm going to try and do things that few in the world have done ... try to win the Champions League, try to win the Euros. I don't like resting on my laurels... I always want more.

Blessed with a heady combination of pace, power, athleticism and technical ability, there is little doubt he can do just that and if—with age and experience—he can add consistency to that list of attributes, then Paul Pogba could truly be considered a world-class player.

[Socrates 8296]

 

Pogba opens door to Man City move:
I could work with Guardiola in the future

The France international admits he has admired the Bayern Munich manager from
afar and has not ruled out working with him at some point in his career.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2892/transfer-zone/2016/02/19/20507602/-?

 
Feb 19, 2016

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has opened the door to joining Manchester City after claiming the opportunity to work with Pep Guardiola could develop.

The France international has been linked with a host of European sides over the last two years, with Barcelona reportedly the favourites to sign the former Manchester United man.

But Pogba has talked up Guardiola's ability - with the Bayern Munich boss set to take over at the Etihad Stadium this summer - and would not rule out playing under him in the future.

"Guardiola has great experience and an immense philosophy of football," he told Sky Sports Deutschland.

"He is a coach who influences the squad and all the players respect him. You can only admire and try to learn something from him.

"He is an icon of football and I’ve heard he manages to improve every player he has at his disposal.

"I am a Juventus player now, but clearly the possibility of working with him in future could develop."

[Socrates 8296]

 

RUMOURS: Chelsea watch Pogba in
Juve Champions League clash

The France international was on the pitch as the Turin side battled to an entertaining
tie with the Bundesliga champions, and he is reported to be top of the club's wishlist.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/11562/transfer-talk/2016/02/24/20653232/-?

 
Feb 24, 2016

Chelsea director Michael Emenelo was keeping a close eye on Paul Pogba as he took in Juventus' Champions League clash with Bayern Munich, according to giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

The official was present in Juventus Stadium to watch the Italians draw 2-2 with Pep Guardiola's men, with Chelsea loanee Juan Cuadrado among those playing.

But the newspaper asserts that Emenelo's attention was fixed on Pogba, who is expected to be one of the top transfer targets of the next window.

[Socrates 8296]

 

Juve: Conte targets Pogba, Cuadrado

http://www.football-italia.net/80415/juve-conte-targets-pogba-cuadrado?

 
Feb 26, 2016

Antonio Conte will target Juventus's Paul Pogba and Juan Cuadrado if he signs for Chelsea, say reports.

The current Azzurri Coach is widely believed to have reached an agreement with the Pensioners that will have him sitting on their bench next season, after Euro 2016.

President Roman Abramovich gave Conte wide options in terms of the transfer budget, and he will make use of that to pursue a few targets he is keen on.

The French 'golden nugget' Pogba, valued at approximately €100m, is said by TuttoMercatoWeb to be the Italian's first target.

Cuadrado, who is with the Bianconeri on loan from Chelsea, may also be a target for Conte, as reported by the Telegraph.

[Socrates 8296]

 

RUMOURS: Chelsea continue to scout Pogba

The Stamford Bridge side are keeping close tabs on the Juventus midfielder
as they look ahead to rebuilding their squad in the summer transfer window.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/11562/transfer-talk/2016/03/04/20982932/-?

 
Mar 4, 2016

Chelsea have once again sent scouts to watch Juventus star Paul Pogba in action, according to a report in Corriere dello Sport.

Rumours had been circulating that soon-to-be Chelsea boss Antonio Conte wants the midfielder at Stamford Bridge, with the most recent report not the first to emerge regarding the Blues keeping watch over the Frenchman.

Technical director Michael Emanelo is said to have watched Pogba during Juve's Champions League clash with Bayern Munich, while additional scouts cast their eye over the 22-year-old in the Old Lady's Coppa Italia semi-final with Inter.

Juventus value Pogba at £70 million, and the Blues could face stiff competition from Manchester United, City, Barcelona, Bayern and Real Madrid for the France international.

[Socrates 8296]

 

RUMOURS: Pogba sets Chelsea & Man City wage demands

The Juventus star could be on the move this summer, but the enormity of his wage
requirements limit the amount of teams that could realistically afford to sign him.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/14222/transfer-talk/2016/03/06/21050942/rumours-pogba-sets-chelsea-man-city-wage-demands?ICID=TP_TNM_ART_1

 
Mar 6, 2016

Paul Pogba has set his wage demands to interested Premier League clubs, a report in the Daily Star claims.

The 22-year-old Juventus midfielder is one of the hottest prospect in the world of football, with the majority of Europe's elite chasing his signature.

The Frenchman's demands are high, however, with the report stating the player will demand £300,000-a-week from interested English sides.

Manchester City and Chelsea are said to be leading the race for Pogba in England, while the only other teams that could realistically afford his wages outside of the Premier League are Real Madrid and Barcelona as well as French giants Paris Saint-Germain.

[Socrates 8296]

 

Pogba: ‘Wishing for Scudetto’

http://www.football-italia.net/81344/pogba-%E2%80%98wishing-scudetto%E2%80%99?

 
Mar 15, 2016

Paul Pogba says he’s ‘wishing for a Juventus Scudetto’ on his birthday but also targets success with France.

The midfielder is set to be a key part of the French team at Euro 2016 this summer, a competition they are hosting.

Pogba turns 23 today and also revealed that former Brazil striker Ronaldo was his ‘footballing role model’ along with Zinedine Zidane.

“When you have lofty goals in your life or career, you need to be able to deal with a lot of responsibility,” Pogba said to FIFA.com.

“My dream is to have a great career, so if I want to achieve that I need to be able to adapt quickly.

"I’m gradually acquiring experience and have the good fortune to be valued by France. I give my all for the shirt and the country, so I have no problem accepting the responsibility that it entails and putting in the maximum effort.

“What will I wish for on my birthday? Winning the Scudetto with Juventus. Once that’s done, it would be a dream come true to win my first senior title with France

“1998 World Cup? We watched it on TV at home and I remember going out in our car afterwards to celebrate with friends and sound our horns.

“Ronaldo is my footballing role model and the player that made me fall in love with football. I was enthralled by him as I used to play up front when I was younger.

“His technique, pace and eye for goal, as well as the variety of his play, was something I liked and admired.

“And of course Zidane too! He’s a French icon and someone who made a real impression on us. We won’t forget him. Everyone respects and admires him and we all want to emulate what he’s achieved in his career.

“I’m confident that with this generation of players we can bring back the good times for French football. We have a fine squad and a very savvy coach who will know how to help us achieve our goals.

“My brothers? It’s something that’s just there, you know, in the back of our minds, and we talk about it occasionally. It’s a dream we have for the three of us to share the same pitch, regardless of what game it is. But we know it will be difficult to fulfil.

“My brothers are the people who advise me best on football. Every time I progress and take a step forward, I always say it’s thanks to them and all my team-mates.”

[Socrates 8296]

 

Adidas unveil stunning signature Pogba boots

The Juventus midfielder, who has signed a 10-year deal with the sports giant, helped design
the footwear and will wear them against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/13712/extra-time/2016/03/16/21371262/-?

 
Mar 16, 2016

To celebrate a long-term deal with Paul Pogba, Adidas have unveiled a new pair of football boots designed by the Juventus star.

A black and gold Adidas Ace 16+ PureControl come with 'POGBOOM' and 'POGBANCE' titled across the back and will be worn by "the most sought after footballer" during Wednesday's Champions League tie against Bayern.

The boots, which will not be available on general sale, feature gold stripes and sole, silver studs on a black background and pay tribute to the Frenchman's signature goal celebrations on the heel.

"Adidas believes in my dream of building hype in the world of football," Pogba said in a statement.

"I hope I can leave a footprint and add something exciting and new to this iconic brand. The best is yet to come. This is Pogboom!"

[Socrates 8296]

 

Pogba: Juve sale & reinvestment

http://www.football-italia.net/81488/pogba-juve-sale-reinvestment?

 
Mar 18, 2016

Juventus are planning on an ambitious market strategy based on the sale of Paul Pogba, aiming for Paris Saint-Germain's Edinson Cavani and Leicester City's N'Golo Kante.

The Bianconeri have numerous big suitors for their French midfielder, with a bid between Barcelona, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester City and PSG raising the price to €100m.

According to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, the Turin club are planning a strategy that would allow them to reinvest that sum and keep the team equally strong.

The primary targets are PSG's Cavani and Borussia's Mkhitaryan. The former costs about €40m, but the Bianconeri hope to cushion that expense with the sale of Alvaro Morata to Real Madrid for €30m.

The Armenian player, on the other hand, would give Coach Max Allegri the attacking midfielder he is believed to have longed for. His contract expires in 2017, giving Juventus leverage to buy him.

Among the various other targets are Bologna's promising defender Amadou Diawara, who has already been probed for, and Leicester City's Kante. PSG's Adrien Rabiot is also being considered.

The defence should be bolstered, with PSV Eindhoven's Hector Moreno, Inter's Jeison Murillo, Bologna's Adam Masina and Palermo's Achraf Lazaar all potential candidates.

Pogba's sale would also allow Juventus to keep Leonardo Bonucci, who is being targeted by Chelsea for the coming season.

[Socrates 8296]

 

ManUtd in pole for Juve's Pogba

http://www.football-italia.net/81640/manutd-pole-juves-pogba?

 
Mar 21, 2016

Manchester United are reportedly in pole to sign Juventus' Paul Pogba for €100m.

The Frenchman has been at the centre of endless transfer speculations this year, with Barcelona, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-German and Manchester United all believed to be attempting to sign him.

According to the Daily Star, the Red Devils are now the team in the lead for Pogba.

The English publication relates that the player will leave the Bianconeri in the summer and join Manchester United, for the price of €100m.

[Socrates 8296]

 

Beppe Marotta says Paul Pogba is 'highly likely'
to stay with Juventus this summer

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/3/24/11297014/beppe-marotta-says-paul-pogba-is-highly-likely-to-stay-with-juventus

 
Mar 24, 2016

For the better part of the last two summers, one of the most-asked questions put in Beppe Marotta's direction has had to do with the future of one Paul Labile Pogba. With Pogba being looked upon to star at the European Championships on his home turf in France and the possibility of Europe's big-money clubs making an absurdly huge bid for his services, it's not like the world of football media is going to slow down their talk of Pogba potentially wearing something other than bianconero next season.

Despite all of this, Pogba was again one of the topics Marotta hit on yesterday. I mean, hey, it's the end of March and the summer months are just a few short flips of the calendar away. That means non-stop transfer talk, right? Not if Beppe Marotta has anything to do with it.

"Pogba is a Juventus player and still has an ongoing contract with us," Marotta said. "Plus he has also told us about his intention to stay with us. All the conditions are there for him to continue with Juventus for the upcoming years.

"The Juventus jersey is something you honour right until the end. It is not a foregone conclusion yet that he will stay at Juventus, because nothing is ever guaranteed in football, but it is highly likely that he will stay put."

(Source: ESPNFC)

One could now sit back and relax because Marotta, a man known to stick to his word, is stating that Pogba won't be going anywhere this summer even though there will likely be a good amount of offers worth lots of money coming Juve's direction. But, this won't be the last time Marotta will say that Pogba isn't going anywhere despite whatever is being floated out there or what is being asked simply because of the subject matter.

We know that Pogba will be one of the most-discussed players this summer because of where the Euros are being played and all the transfer rumors that are likely to include his name. But we also know that over the last few years since Pogba Mania has taken over rumor mills everywhere, Pogba himself hasn't commented much on his future. Every now and then we'll hear or read something when Pogba is interviewed in the Italian or French press, but that's about it.

Maybe that's a good thing. Maybe it's a bad thing. Obviously, when it comes to this certain topic, Marotta will speak about it more than Pogba himself. So, I guess in that sense, it's not a huge deal that Marotta — again — has said that Pogba is staying put. I mean, unless Beppe says Pogba is leaving, it's an incredibly huge deal, that is.

[Socrates 8296]

 

Pogba can be one of the three best in the world - Morata

The Spanish striker tells Goal that his Juventus team-mate trains twice as hard as
everyone else and says he can have the pick of Europe's top sides if he decides to leave Turin.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2016/03/24/21629102/-?

 
Mar 24, 2016

Alvaro Morata believes Juventus team-mate Paul Pogba can go on to become one of the three best players in the world.

Pogba, who turned 23 earlier this month, is already one of the game's most sought-after stars and is likely to attract interest from a number of Europe's elite sides once again this summer.

Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona are among several clubs to be linked with the France midfielder.

"He is fantastic person and a good friend of mine," Morata told Goal in an exclusive interview. "He can play wherever he likes. He won't be short of offers.

"If he wants to stay at Juventus, they will renew him for five more years. And if he wants to join another team, they will give him an incredible contract.

"Everyone knows Pogba as a player, so the only thing I can add is that as a person and as a professional, very few people know this, but he trains twice as hard as the rest. All work bears its fruit and he has in his head to be the best in the world. And I'm sure he will be among the top three."

Having set up Juventus' second goal with a brilliant solo run, Morata was substituted after 72 minutes against Bayern Munich in the Champions League last-16 second leg last week.

His exit coincided with a dramatic change on the scoresheet, with Juventus 2-0 up at the time of his withdrawal but eventual 4-2 losers after extra time.

"We were winning 2-0 and we ended up losing 4-2," Morata reflected. "It's very difficult to understand and to digest, but the Champions League and football are like that.

"Allegri hasn't spoken to me about the change, but I imagine he wanted to win as well. And I'm sure he decided to take me off in that moment so that we could defend or in order to make a tactical variation."

So Morata, a Champions League winner with Real Madrid in 2013-14 and a finalist with Juventus last season, will not be present in this season's showpiece at San Siro on May 28.

However, he believes winning Serie A and the Coppa Italia would represent a successful campaign for the Bianconeri.

"We have the final of the Coppa [against AC Milan] and we are leaders of Serie A," he said. "When you are used to winning and you are the best in Italy, sometimes you see it as insufficient.

"But I think that, to win the double two years running, and especially after our horrendous start to the season, I think that would have a lot of merit.

"When you have won so many titles in Italy, you have to aim high. But honestly, I think that if we hadn't lost against Bayern, Juve would have been very dangerous in the Champions League.

"Last year there were 10 minutes in which the whole of Europe saw that we could have been champions of Europe. That's football. In the end we lost against Barcelona, but this would be a great season if we could win the league and the cup."

[Socrates 8296]

 

Juventus: Nainggolan, if Pogba...

http://www.football-italia.net/81849/juventus-nainggolan-if-pogba

 
Mar 25, 2016

Juventus will pursue Roma's Radja Nainggolan only if they end up selling Paul Pogba, say reports.

The Bianconeri face pressure from just about every European top club to sell the Frenchman, and the deal could make them €100m.

The Giallorossi midfielder is believed to be one of the Old Lady's targets for the summer, and it seems the two deals may be linked.

According to Sky Sports Italia, Juventus will only attempt to sign Nainggolan should they end up selling Pogba.

The Belgian midfielder, who is also sought after by Chelsea, is believed to be negotiable only at sums starting from €45.

[Socrates 8296]

 

Pogba key to success for France, says Karembeu

The former Real Madrid man has underlined the importance of the influential
Juventus midfielder for the hosts’ chances of success at this summer's European Championship.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/7134/euro-2016/2016/03/25/21682682/-?

 
Mar 25, 2016

Christian Karembeu hopes Juventus star Paul Pogba can lead France to success at Euro 2016 to follow in the footsteps of Zinedine Zidane.

The current Real Madrid coach enjoyed sucess with France at the 1998 World Cup on home soil and at Euro 2000, but Les Bleus have since gone without silverware at both competitions, finishing runners-up at the 2006 World Cup.

Karembeu – who featured alongside Zidane in 1998 and 2000 – is hopeful France’s trophy drought can come to an end this summer, though, and is counting on Pogba to inspire Didier Deschamps’ men.

“I hope Pogba can lead the team the way like Zidane did in 1998 and 2000. I hope Pogba or one of the other players can shine and deliver France another title,” Karembeu told Goal.

“We expect Didier Deschamps to put together a team that can compete for the title.

“We all see how Paul is preparing himself very well for the Euros with his good performances at Juventus.

“He made it to the final of the Champions League with Juventus last season and he is the key player for France at Euro 2016.”

France last hosted a major tournament in 1998, but Karembeu has stressed the country is more than ready to welcome all participants after upgrading all facilities.

“France are ready to host all the nations that will participate,” he added.

“We have renewed all the facilities and stadiums. Over 6,000 volunteers have been recruited to make sure all the fans will feel at home.

“We will show what France are all about and hopefully also show the world what France can do on the pitch.”

[Socrates 8296]

 

Breaking Down How Juventus Can Get
Consistent Quality from Paul Pogba

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2628137-breaking-down-how-juventus-can-get-consistent-quality-from-paul-pogba?

 
Mar 28, 2016

Juventus' Paul Pogba is one of the most talked-about players in the game.

For the last two seasons, rumors have broken seemingly every week about when Pogba will leave Turin and where he will wind up. Given his immense talent and the fact that his agent is Mino Raiola, it's almost taken for granted that he will eventually be on his way.

These are reports that Juventus sporting director Giuseppe Marotta has continually denied over the years. Just last week, he told Sky Sports that the player had "told us about his intention to stay with us. All the conditions are there for him to continue with Juventus for the upcoming years."

A stay in Turin is entirely possible. Pogba is the kind of player who is wilful enough to overrule Raiola—who does work for him, after all—and stay where he wants to stay.

Juventus promised him the chance to emerge after being buried in the depth chart by Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, something he won't soon forget.

If he does stay, the Bianconeri are going to have to think hard about how to get his best on the field on a consistent basis. For all his immense skill, Pogba has dropped out of games enough times that it can be a cause of concern.

In order to be sure he stays consistent, the Bianconeri should keep him surrounded with a quality midfield.

That was clearer than ever at the beginning of the season. Until this year, he had always been insulated to a degree by the presence of Claudio Marchisio, Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo in Juve's midfield.

There was so much quality there that he was able to play his game with little to no pressure on himself. There was the occasional lapse in his play, but for the most part he shone.

But that changed this year. Vidal and Pirlo left in the summer for Bayern Munich and NYCFC, respectively. His presumed midfield partners, Marchisio and new arrival Sami Khedira, both suffered preseason injuries that kept them out until October.

That thrust Pogba into a leading role for the first time in his career.

He wasn't quite ready for it. He put far too much pressure on himself, and his play suffered. He was trying to score three goals with one kick—a problem that was exacerbated by Juve's early-season struggles.

The return of Marchisio and Khedira has helped, but Pogba still succumbs on occasion to his two biggest problems. The first is his tendency to look for the Hollywood ball when a simpler pass would be a better option to keep the attack going. The second is his occasional disappearing act.

These issues dovetail with each other.

Ahead of the second leg of Juve's UEFA Champions League round-of-16 tie against Bayern Munich, his Juve and national team-mate Patrice Evra opined that his problem was that he is too aware of his talent, and because of that, he allows himself to get frustrated if he makes a mistake.

Evra's analysis is fairly spot on. Pogba sometimes puts so much pressure on himself to make things happen that he tries to force things.

He's more than capable of making incredible plays like the assists he's made against Borussia Monchengladbach or Torino, or any of his growing list of long-range goals that fans have affectionately dubbed "Pog-booms," as a matter of course.

But because he can do it, he sometimes tries to do it at the wrong times. Those attempts sometimes fail, and if it starts happening consistently, he can get frustrated and drop out of games.

Coach Massimiliano Allegri said it best when he told Sky Sport Italia (h/t ESPN FC) after Juve's 2-0 win over Atalanta that the Frenchman "can make the difference if he plays it simple and is focused."

At the moment, the best way to get Pogba focused is to surround him with a talented midfield. That means keeping the likes of Marchisio and Khedira fit and on the field. Surrounding him with players who can take the pressure off will allow Pogba to play the way he did in the Derby della Mole last week, when he registered a goal and two assists.

For all of Pogba's quality, it's easy to forget he's still only 23—a bit too young to be relied on for consistent on-field leadership. Eventually, he will gain the maturity that will allow him to dispense with such insulation.

But until then, putting quality leaders like Marchisio and Khedira around him will reduce the pressure on him and allow his full quality to come to the fore on a consistent basis.

[Socrates 8296]

 

Chelsea push for Pogba

http://www.football-italia.net/81969/chelsea-push-pogba?

 
Mar 28, 2016

Reports in France claim Juventus are open to selling Paul Pogba this summer, with Chelsea and Barcelona interested.

The midfielder is seen as one of Europe’s biggest talents, and the Bianconeri turned down an offer from Barça last summer.

However, today’s L’Equipe reports that the Turin giants have not ruled out a sale this summer if the right offer arrives.

The newspaper believes that Chelsea are the most active in their pursuit of Pogba, having had a €95m bid reject last summer.

Former Juve Coach Antonio Conte is widely expected to take over at Stamford Bridge after Euro 2016, and could look for a reunion with Pogba. However, La Stampa notes that the Blues won't be in the Champions League next season, and the French international wants to play in the competition.

Chelsea’s offer is said to be the only one approaching Juventus’ demands, though Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are also interested.

[Socrates 8296]

 

Pogba pays €10m for image rights

http://www.football-italia.net/81956/pogba-pays-%E2%82%AC10m-image-rights

 
Mar 28, 2016

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba reportedly paid €10m to buy his image rights back and the case is affecting his performance.

In spite of Friday's 3-2 win over the Netherlands with his national team, French media are focusing their attention on the 23-year-old's alleged legal wrangle.

According to L'Equipe, there is now a 'Pogba case' as the player had to pay €10m to get his image rights back from a Luxembourg business owned by Oualid Tanazefti.

This represents the end of an extensive negotiation which proved distracting for the player and allegedly influenced his performances on the pitch, particularly with the national team.