Paul Pogba

[Socrates 8295]

 

Deschamps: ‘Leave Pogba alone’

http://www.football-italia.net/81985/deschamps-%E2%80%98leave-pogba-alone%E2%80%99

 
Mar 28, 2016

Didier Deschamps defends Paul Pogba from criticism - “I don’t expect him to score two or three goals in every game”.

The Juventus midfielder is regarded as one of the hottest talents in Europe, but has scored just five goals in his 28 France caps.

“Paul doesn’t leave anyone indifferent,” Deschamps, Coach of Les Bleus, noted in his Press conference ahead of the game against Russia.

“He set the bar very high from the start. It’s always expected of him to be decisive and spectacular, but he’s still a midfielder in the making.

“If he doesn’t do something decisive, that doesn’t mean he’s not useful to the team. I don’t expect him to score two or three goals in every game.

“He’s someone who has a lot of quality, and the expectation is down to his abilities.

“After the World Cup there were some matches which Paul didn’t start in. That’s not to punish him, it happened to others as well.

“He can bring a lot to the team, and his qualities aren’t in doubt. Occasionally I’ll make a different choice.”

[Socrates 8295]

 

Lippi: 'Juve should sell Pogba'

http://www.football-italia.net/82091/lippi-juve-should-sell-pogba?

 
Mar 30, 2016

Marcello Lippi supports Juventus selling Paul Pogba. “We won everything after investing the Zinedine Zidane money.”

The midfielder is valued at €100m and that would be a huge profit considering the club got him on a free transfer from Manchester United.

“Should Juve sell Pogba? When I returned to Juve after my spell at Inter, Andrea Agnelli told me that they were going to sell Zidane,” Lippi explained to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

“At the start I did not agree, but then he reassured me the money would be reinvested. In fact, we used that money to reconstruct the squad with Gigi Buffon, Pavel Nedved and Lilian Thuram. We went on to win everything.”

Lippi was also asked about reports he is considering a return to coaching, particularly for Milan.

“I do miss the field if I watch a game on TV, but I will not go back to coaching.”

[Socrates 8295]

 

Raiola: ‘Nothing changed with Pogba’

http://www.football-italia.net/82101/raiola-%E2%80%98nothing-changed-pogba%E2%80%99?

 
Mar 31, 2016

Paul Pogba’s agent insists ‘nothing has changed from a year ago’ and ‘he’s fine to stay with Juventus if an adequate alternative doesn’t arrive’.

The France international has been at the centre of transfer speculation all season, with rumoured interest from European giants in the Premier League and La Liga.

However, agent Mino Raiola denies that the current situation is any different to how things were last summer and even says ‘we’re ready to renew his contract’.

“In the last few years Paul has surprised me in a positive sense,” Raiola said to giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

“He was a talent, now he’s a champion through and through. His strength is his calmness, thanks to which he has overcome the criticism from the start of the season too.

“He has a decisive role with France, I don’t understand certain remarks. Coming to Juventus, I’ll only say that he showed he can wear the number 10 shirt, despite the initial obstacles due to some unforeseen problems in the summer.

“Transfer market? Nothing has changed from a year ago. The understanding with the club is substantial.

“Juve have accounted for his €100m sale? I would add that we’re on the same page and if an adequate alternative project doesn’t come in, he’s fine to stay with the Bianconeri.

“Indeed, we’re even ready to renew his contract.

[Socrates 8295]

 

Pogba happy to extend Juventus stay - agent

The Old Lady's hopes of holding on to the France international have been given a
major boost following Mino Raiola's comments that he could sign a new and improved deal.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/13822/news/2016/03/31/21865522/-?

 
Mar 31, 2016

Paul Pogba is open to signing a new and improved contract with Juventus if no major offers come in at the end of the season, his agent Mino Raiola has revealed.

The France international's current deal runs until June 2019, but clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Manchester City and Chelsea are believed to be keeping a close eye on the 23-year-old's situation.

Pogba is in no rush to leave the Serie A champions, though, and could even sign a new deal if the conditions elsewhere are not right, according to his agent.

"Nothing has changed for Paul compared to a year ago. Juventus and Paul are on the same page here," Raiola told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

"If there is no interesting other option, Paul is more than happy to stay at Juventus. We are ready to renew his contract.

"Paul has surprised me in a positive way over the past few seasons. He was a talent before, but he is the real deal now, he is a champion through and through.

"His calm and serene attitude is one of his biggest strengths, that also helped him deal with the criticism at the start of this season.

"He has given his best wearing the number 10 jersey, despite some misunderstandings at the start of the season."

Pogba has scored eight goals and registered 11 assists in all competitions for Juventus so far this season.

[Socrates 8295]

 

Juventus' Paul Pogba will cost
Man City a world record fee - Andrea Pirlo

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/2840935/juves-paul-pogba-worth-a-world-record-fee-andrea-pirlo

 
Apr 1, 2016

Former Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo says it will take a world record transfer fee for Manchester City to sign Paul Pogba.

Pogba, 23, has been a revelation since joining Juve from Manchester United after his contract expired in 2012 and was named the Best Young Player at the 2014 World Cup.

The France international has been tracked by all of Europe's richest clubs after helping Juve to a hat trick of Serie A titles, and to the final of the Champions League last year.

And Pirlo, who now plays for New York City FC in Major League Soccer, knows that while Juve will want to keep him, every player has a price.

The current world record fee was paid by Real Madrid to sign Gareth Bale from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013, becoming the first €100 million player.

"Of course, Juventus will want to keep him. But sometimes you can get to a transfer fee that you can rebuild an entire team with and he would get to that fee," Pirlo told the Daily Mirror.

"At his age, you can build a team around him for the next years. If he does decide to leave, then I think it will be for a world record.

"I have played with some great young players, but Pogba was the best young player I have ever seen.

"We saw from his first training session with Juventus that he was special. There was a disbelief among the senior players that Manchester United had allowed him to leave.

"Since then he has grown physically and as a player. For me he is now the most complete central midfield player in the world."

Pogba cost Juve just £500,000 in compensation after the player turned down a new contract at Old Trafford.

[Socrates 8295]

 

Conte: Jovetic, Pogba, Nainggolan

http://www.football-italia.net/82145/conte-jovetic-pogba-nainggolan?

 
Apr 1, 2016

Azzurri Coach Antonio Conte is expected to take Inter's Stevan Jovetic, Roma's Radja Nainggolan and Juventus' Paul Pogba to Chelsea.

The international manager's move to the Premier League is not officially confirmed yet, but it seems to be taken for granted by the Press in both Italy and England.

There is a great deal of speculation regarding Conte's desired transfers for Chelsea, and it seems many of them will come from Serie A.

According to La Repubblica, the Coach will make an effort to bring his old-time target Jovetic to the Premier League, in an operation that should not prove too difficult.

Jovetic is currently playing for Inter on a two-year loan from Manchester City, but the Nerazzurri would not object to the player's departure.

Conte is also eyeing Roma's Nainggolan and Juventus' Paul Pogba, but those signings would be substantially more complex.

The Giallorossi have no intention of selling the Belgian midfielder, while the Old Lady would require at least €100m to give up the Frenchman.

[Socrates 8295]

 

Neymar: ‘I’d like to play with Pogba’

http://www.football-italia.net/82466/neymar-%E2%80%98i%E2%80%99d-play-pogba%E2%80%99?

 
Apr 7, 2016

Barcelona striker Neymar “would like to play with” Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba.

The Bianconeri rejected a bid from the Catalan side for the French international last summer, but rumours have continued that he will move to Camp Nou this summer.

“A player I’d like to play with?” Neymar considered in an interview on the official La Liga website.

“Pogba, he’d be very good here. It would be a pleasure to have him in our shirt.”

Neymar also discussed his idols, including former Milan forward Robinho.

“He was my idol, I had his poster in my bedroom. When I went to see him play I was enchanted.

“The best player I’ve played with? Leo [Messi].”

[Socrates 8295]

 

Pogba: It's nice that Neymar is waiting for me at Barcelona but ...

The Brazilian attacker has admitted he hopes to team up with the France international at Camp Nou,
but he maintains he is happy at Juventus and concentrating on winning Serie A.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2892/transfer-zone/2016/04/10/22209372/-?

 
Apr 10, 2016

Paul Pogba says he is flattered to hear that Neymar wants him to join Barcelona, but maintains he is happy at Juventus.

Pogba has long been linked to a move away from Turin and the Catalans remain the main candidates to sign him, despite having an €80 million offer rejected for him last summer.

However, Barcelona striker Neymar has carried on the charm offensive and admitted that he thinks the 23-year-old midfielder would fit in well at Barca, stating he is a big fan of his.

And while Juve star Pogba was pleased to hear such kind words, he refused to be drawn on a potential move this year.

"It's nice that a great player like Neymar appreciates me," the France international told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

"Everyone wants to play with the champions, but I'm happy at Juventus and I'm focused on winning the Scudetto."

The France international was then asked if he has been distracted by the speculation and interest which has surrounded him, but he maintains he is only concentrating on his current goal.

"I want to win Scudetto," he added. "Only that is in my head."

Pogba has scored seven goals in 30 Serie A appearances this term, adding a further eight assists. He remains contracted to Juve until June 2019.

[Socrates 8295]

 

Paul Pogba thinking of Juventus and the Scudetto,
not a summer transfer, despite the usual bevy of rumors

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/4/11/11405676/paul-pogba-neymar-juventus-chelsea-fc-barcelona-2016-transfer-rumors

 
Apr 11, 2016

The Paul Pogba rumor mill is one that seems to never stop humming. While usually off base, there's always something. So much so that on top of the usual transfer trackers, SB Nation has created their very own Paul Pogba transfer rumor hub for all of the latest bits of info that might involve the young Frenchman going somewhere this summer. All Pogba, all the time darn time.

The good thing in all of this?

Paul Pogba isn't think of all of those Paul Pogba transfer rumors. Even when somebody like Barcelona striker Neymar comes out and says that he wants to be Pogba's teammate one day, Juventus' No. 10 is, simply put, thinking of current-day Juventus.

"It's nice that such a great player shows appreciation for me. Everyone wants to play with the champions, but I'm happy to stay at Juventus and I'm focused on the title. I have no transfer temptations, the Scudetto is the only thing in my head."

(Source: Express)

You see, the thing that makes me the most happy in all of this is pretty easy to identify: With all of this talk about how teams will come in an likely offer both Pogba and Juventus an insane amount of money, the most important thing to the player himself is what's directly in front of him. That is Juventus getting closer and closer to a fifth straight Serie A title, one that would put the club in rarified air when it comes to championship-winning sides.

Beppe Marotta has maintained that Pogba will only go if Pogba wants to go. But, as we're continuing to hear from Pogba whenever he speaks, he is happy at Juventus, therefore he has given no indication of a desire to leave Turin. It's as simple as that, and certainly Juventus has shown the fortitude to resist any kind of big-money big for Pogba in the past.

So much for all of those rumors out there that say Pogba has expressed his desire to leave Juventus ASAP. Funny how the neglect to mention, you know, what the actual player discussed really thinks, but who am I to judge.

[Socrates 8295]

 

Paul Pogba won't be leaving Juventus this summer - Beppe Marotta

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/2853277/paul-pogba-will-not-be-leaving-juventus-in-summer-marotta

 
Apr 18, 2016

Juventus general manager Beppe Marotta has insisted that Paul Pogba will be going nowhere this summer.

The Serie A club were able to convince Pogba, 23, to stay amid intense speculation of an exit at the end of last season.

And with a host of Europe's leading clubs expected to mount a bid for the France international this summer, Marotta has moved to quash rumours that he will leave at the end of the current campaign.

"We made a clear decision on Pogba last year," Marotta told RAI radio. "He is going to be a key element for years to come. He's happy with us, he's grown and he's become a champion, and this is his natural habitat.

"Of course, you have also got to consider when it comes to the transfer market that we as a club don't want to sell our best players on the one hand, and that the players want to stay on the other."

Marotta gave a similar assurance about the future of coach Massimiliano Allegri, whose contract expires in the summer.

"Our job as a club is to support our coach in his work on a daily basis and we did this with [former Juve boss Antonio] Conte and we have done this with Allegri," Marotta said.

"This coach deserves a great deal of credit for having succeeding in establishing a balanced dressing room after stepping into large shoes. He's given the players the right motivation and is developing their game. We are as satisfied as he is."

[Socrates 8295]

 

TREZEGUET: ‘POGBA COMMITTED TO JUVENTUS’

http://www.juvefc.com/trezeguet-pogba-committed-juventus/?

 
Apr 21, 2016

Juventus ambassador David Trezeguet says Paul Pogba is “committed” to the Bianconeri, despite being linked with a move to Man City and Barcelona this summer.

The French midfielder has been in impressive form as the season comes to a close, scoring and assisting in each of Juve’s last five Serie A matches, and Trezeguet believes his future remains at Juventus.

“He [Paul Pogba] is committed just as much as Juventus to keep on going. They have a lot to offer for him,” Trezeguet told Outside 90

“There’s no issues. Juventus’ idea is very clear. They have a contract and are going to respect that deal.

“Obviously he’s a super important asset for Juventus, he’s coming off another great season and I hope he performs just as well for the French national team at the Euros.”

Trezeguet turned his attention to former teammate, Gigi Buffon, who is still going strong at 38.

“In the end he can play for as long as he can. His goal is to go and play until the next World Cup in Russia 2018 so there’s a least another couple of seasons left in him,” he said.

“One of the secrets as to why he’s always played so well is he’s always been very disciplined. Always taking care of his body and being very professional. He’s a huge ambassador of the Juventus brand and of Italian football.”

[Socrates 8295]

 

Juventus Transfers: 3 Alternatives
Should the Old Lady Sell Paul Pogba

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2634738-juventus-transfers-3-alternatives-should-the-old-lady-sell-paul-pogba?

 
Apr 22, 2016

Since arriving at Juventus in 2012, Paul Pogba has turned into the most sought-after player in the game.

The biggest names in European soccer, from Barcelona and Real Madrid, per the Daily Mirror, to Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, per talkSPORT, have been linked to moves for the 23-year-old Frenchman as the transfer window approaches.

The general consensus of the world media is that Pogba's departure from Juve is a matter of if, not when. Between the tendencies of the richest clubs to get their man and the diminished status of Serie A, which is still in the process of recovering from the double whammy of the Calciopoli scandal in 2006 and the Italian financial crisis that began in 2008, a sale is generally seen as a foregone conclusion.

The Bianconeri, though, have shown a determination in recent years to prove to the world they are not a selling club. On Monday, sporting director Giuseppe Marotta told Rai Radio 1 (h/t Football Italia): "We consider Pogba an important element, certainly for the next few years. ... The club doesn't plan on selling him and he hasn't asked to leave."

It has seemingly been Juve's policy to keep their best players unless they have expressed a will to go. Even then, though, there is the possibility of a club with oil money coming out of their ears making an offer so indecent it simply cannot be refused.

If that were to happen, what would Juve do to make up for the loss of Pogba's massive impact on the team? It would certainly be difficult for one player to replicate his production, but someone would have to try.

Which players could Juventus bring into the fold during the transfer window to replace Pogba if he were to leave? Here are three possibilities the team could consider.


Mario Lemina

Though we said this article was looking at players Juventus could bring in from the outside, keep in mind the fact Mario Lemina is on loan with the Bianconeri and still belongs to Olympique Marseille.

This columnist has touched on Lemina before, making the case that Juve should make the 22-year-old Gabon international's loan stint permanent before the April 30 deadline to lock in his €9.5 million price tag.

The decision has been complicated by the fact Lemina spent a good amount of the season unavailable through injury. He's only seen action in Serie A eight times—not a large sample size to make such a determination.

But what Lemina has shown should be enough to convince the Bianconeri to keep him. He's an excellent passer, has some defensive bite and can dribble and score. His excellently taken goal against Atalanta in March, when he turned a pair of defenders inside out before finishing from 22 yards out, was a preview of what he could do when he fully develops.

Lemina's skill set basically makes him a baby version of Arturo Vidal, who was instrumental in the first four years of Juve's ongoing stranglehold of the Scudetto. He may not be an exact replica of Pogba, but a new version of Vidal would be an asset to any team—and could be a foundation for Juve's midfield for years to come.

As an added bonus, he would come at a price that would allow the team to use the vast majority of the income from a prospective Pogba sale to improve the team elsewhere.


Yaya Toure

Yaya Toure has been a major part of Manchester City's rise to prominence in England over the last half decade. Having arrived in 2010, he has been a major part of the Etihad Stadium side's two Premier League titles and three cup triumphs (one FA Cup and two League Cups).

The Ivorian is out of contract in 2017, and it's generally expected he won't be staying at the Etihad beyond the end of the season. Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio (h/t Football Italia) has reported that the player's camp has reached out and offered the player to Juventus.

The idea of Toure going to Juve isn't too far-fetched. Marotta has a history of success signing players entering the twilight of their careers, bringing the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Fernando Llorente, Sami Khedira as free agents in recent seasons. City would likely be happy to get Toure's wages, which Mark Ogden of the Telegraph reported could be worth as much as £240,000 a week, off the books.

But there are some potential drawbacks to this signing. At 32, Toure has this season failed to show the same ability to take games by the throat in the manner that defined his most successful periods with City. He'd also probably command a hefty wage, and Juve likely still aren't equipped to have multiple high earners on their payroll.

At the end of the day, this would be a stopgap solution, getting Toure's last effective years while the club either developed a longer-term solution from within or bought one a few years down the line. If that's the way Marotta elects to go, Toure is probably the best option.


Marco Verratti

When Marco Verratti was playing for Pescara between 2008 and 2012, he was close to making a move to Juventus. It was thought he would serve as an apprentice under Andrea Pirlo for a season or two before making the team's regista position his own.

It never happened. According to Verratti himself in a 2013 interview with Radio Deejay (h/t Football Italia), he opted to move to Paris Saint-Germain because they offered him better assurances about playing time.

Verratti has since turned into one of the best midfielders in Europe, and over the course of the season, the possibility that he could be a makeweight in a Pogba deal has been reported by the likes of Mundo Deportivo (h/t ESPN FC).

This may seem an odd replacement, as Verratti and Pogba have different games. Pogba is much more involved in and around the penalty area, whereas Verratti is more of a deep-lying playmaker.

But if Verratti were to arrive, he would likely take the regista position. That's manned by Claudio Marchisio, but Verratti's presence would allow Il Principino to return to the box-to-box position in which he was so effective during the initial phase of his career once he returns from his recent knee injury.

Unlike the first two men on this list, Verratti would cost a lot of money. Juve could use funds from a Pogba sale to make a high offer, but when it's to a team as flush with cash as PSG, how effective would such a tactic really be? Financial fair play might be Juve's best friend in this scenario, as that kind of windfall would probably go a long way toward putting PSG more in line with UEFA's regulations.

A Verratti move is nowhere close to imminent, but he would be a fantastic signing. Moving Marchisio back to his natural position would be about as good a direct replacement for Pogba as could be had, and Verratti himself is one of the best registas in the world.

If he were to finally pull on Juve's black-and-white stripes, it would be a huge coup for the Bianconeri.

[Socrates 8295]

 

Juventus to keep Pogba

http://www.football-italia.net/83212/juventus-keep-pogba?

 
Apr 22, 2016

Juventus and Paul Pogba have reportedly agreed that the midfielder will stay in Turin this summer.

The Bianconeri’s general manager declared this week that the Frenchman “is not for sale”, while Coach Massimiliano Allegri urged the club to “confirm the squad”.

Despite reported interest from Barcelona and Chelsea, Sky is today reporting that no offers have been made for Pogba, and the Old Lady have no intention of selling.

In addition, the player himself has given no indication that he wants to leave, meaning that Juve are expected to hold onto him this summer for an assault on the Champions League next season.

[Socrates 8295]

 

Tevez: ‘Sell Bombonera for Pogba!’

http://www.football-italia.net/83232/tevez-%E2%80%98sell-bombonera-pogba%E2%80%99?

 
Apr 22, 2016

Carlos Tevez jokes Boca Juniors “should sell La Bombonera” to get former Juventus teammate Paul Pogba.

The striker left the Bianconeri to return to his boyhood club last summer, winning the Primera Division in December.

The 32-year-old spoke to ESPN in his homeland, and was asked about two of his former teammates, Pogba and Paulo Dybala.

“To buy Paul we should sell La Bombonera!” Tevez laughed, in reference to Boca's stadium.

“Dybala? He’s a player who can make the difference.”

[Socrates 8295]

 

Report: Juventus to offer midfielder
Paul Pogba a contract extension

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/4/22/11486180/report-juventus-to-offer-paul-pogba-a-contract-extension-2016-serie-a-rumors

 
Apr 22, 2016

A lot of folks, myself included, entered the season with the notion that this could potentially be Paul Pogba's final year wearing a Juventus jersey. But as the season has gone on and he's continued to develop both as a player and within the squad as a whole, the notion that Pogba still being a Juventus player come the end of the 2016 summer transfer window seems like more and more of a possibility.

A possible contract extension may be a part of that.

According to the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport on Friday morning, Juventus are set to offer Pogba a contract extension that will see the French midfielder, who is already the club's top earner, get another handsome raise. Team this with a related report that Juve intend to reject all offers for Pogba — as well as defender Leonardo Bonucci and striker Paulo Dybala — and you have another potential sign that he may not be going any where this summer.

If true, this is right in line with what we've been hearing from Beppe Marotta lately — especially the last couple of weeks. "I agree with what (Max) Allegri said about Pogba. We also want to build a competitive team and, for this, Pogba is a fundamental component," Marotta said earlier this week.

Pogba, who has big-money clubs around Europe linked with a move for him every single week the past few years, signed his first contract extension with Juventus 18 months ago. His current deal runs through 2019, and brought with it a substantial pay raise. As we know, he's done nothing to disprove that notion of being the club's highest earner, having continued to emerge as one of the best at his position in Europe.

Even though he did sign the contract extension back in October 2014, it didn't do anything to slow down the constant chatter regarding his future in Turin. And it probably won't do anything in terms of rumors if he signs another one.

But what a contract extension would mean is that Pogba is staying a little while longer. And nobody who roots for Juventus should object to that.

[Socrates 8295]

 

Lippi: ‘Juve, don’t sell Pogba’

http://www.football-italia.net/83418/lippi-%E2%80%98juve-don%E2%80%99t-sell-pogba%E2%80%99?

 
Apr 26, 2016

Marcello Lippi urges Juventus not to sell Paul Pogba, and hails “great player” Paulo Dybala.

The Bianconeri yesterday wrapped-up a fifth-consecutive Scudetto, with the two youngsters a key part of the latest triumph.

“Should Juventus sell Pogba for €100m?” Lippi considered, speaking to giornalaccio rosa dello sport.

“One day l’Avvocato [late Juventus President Gianni Agnelli] said to me: ‘Marcello, I have bad news, we have to sell Zidane, but we’ll reinvest the money. Do you think in the meantime we can find another Zidane?’

“And I said: “no there isn’t another”. We took Buffon, [Lilian] Thuram and [Pavel] Nedved, and we were strong anyway.

“From what I hear the intention is to keep him. It would be a show of great strength, particularly in terms of making a decisive push in Europe.

“Pogba has grown a lot. Last year he could trot around the field, showing how good he was, but this year he’s had to take responsibility.

“At first he wasn’t ready, then he acquired a huge dimension. I like him as a player and as a lad. Fans of other teams like him too.

“He has a lot of designs on his head, but he has many beautiful things on the inside of it too!

“I think he has the mentality of a winner.”

Lippi was then asked about forward Paulo Dybala, who has provided 16 Serie A goals and eight assists so far in his first season in Turin.

“I’ll just say that he’s top-class. For his movement and general style of play he reminds me of [Omar] Sivori, which at Juve is some compliment.

“He’s a great player, but Allegri gave him a hand. Not just him, [Alvaro] Morata is growing and [Mario] Mandzukic had a great season.”

Finally, the former Italy CT was asked if Juve should have regrets about their Champions League run, having been eliminated by Bayern Munich in extra time in the Last 16.

“Yes, perhaps the only thing that went wrong from Sassuolo onward was the Sevilla game,” Lippi noted, in reference to the defeat in Spain which handed the group to Manchester City.

“Certain situations, like [Juan] Cuadrado’s last-minute goal in the derby had shown that the wheel was turning in the right direction.

“There are still regrets about Europe though, Juve could have gone far.”

[Socrates 8295]

 

Juventus will refuse to sell Pogba this summer

After securing their fifth Serie A title in a row, the Italian champions are keen
to ensure that their prized midfielder will remain at the club for the long term.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2016/04/28/22883392/-?

 
Apr 28, 2016

Juventus have no plans to sell Paul Pogba this summer, Goal understands.

The club have secured their fifth consecutive Serie A title and Juve’s hierarchy are now planning ahead of the summer transfer window - but the sale of their prized asset is not under consideration.

The France international’s current contract expires in 2019, and Juventus’ general manager, Beppe Marotta, has already insisted that the midfielder, who has made 175 appearances for the club since his arrival from Manchester United in 2012, will not be made available.

“We made a clear decision on Pogba last year,” Marotta told RAI radio earlier in April.

“He is going to be a key element for years to come. He's happy with us, he's grown and he's become a champion, and this is his natural habitat.”

Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, hinted in December that the 23-year-old could leave Juve this summer, but his stance now remains consistent with the Serie A champions.

“Juve won't accept anything less than €100 million for his sale and I agree with that, though he is more than happy to remain with the Bianconeri,” Raiola told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport at the end of March.

“We are even ready to sign a new contract.”

Juve have been keen to clarify Pogba’s position before the end of the season and have already met with Raiola in Turin this month.

Talks have been positive, while Pogba’s excellent relationship with coach Massimiliano Allegri is also a huge factor in convincing the midfielder to reject a move to Europe’s elite.

Juve’s next aim is to win the Champions League and should they achieve that next season, the club would be in a position to turn down a mega-money offer for the midfielder.

[Socrates 8295]

 

Pogba: 'I hate to lose!'

http://www.football-italia.net/83549/pogba-i-hate-lose?

 
Apr 29, 2016

Paul Pogba discusses his personal ambition at Juventus: 'I want to become the best, I don't care what people think.'

The 23-year-old is undoubtedly the most valuable player among the Bianconeri, with the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Manchester City willing to offer €100m for his services.

Pogba isn't bothered by the attention he is receiving though, and in fact appears to feel it is commensurate to his reputation.

“I want to become a legend, like Pele or [Diego Armando] Maradona,” he told La Repubblica. “Or more than them. I'm not trying to say that I'm the strongest, only that I want to be.

“I have a problem: I hate to lose. And I like to be different, I want to do what nobody else has done. I work hard because I aim to become perfect and because it makes me happy when I win."

There have been some criticism levelled at the player, particularly from France, the country he will represent at the upcoming Euro 2016.

“If people want to criticise me, I let that be. The evidence paints a different picture though. In 2014 I wasn't in FIFA's top 11, but now I am, and I'll be there in 2016.

“I may not be among the most beloved players, but that's not my target. I'm working to be the best. I'm proud, but I'm not jealous or envious. If [Hugo] Lloris is the most popular, then I'm pleased for him.

“You can always do better. Michael Jordan admitted he made a lot of mistakes, didn't he? What matters is to go beyond. Earlier in the season I wasn't playing at my level, I must admit that, but then the team wasn't either. Now I'm feeling better, and I feel like I helped Juventus give their best.”

The Frenchman was given the #10 shirt for this season, usually assigned to the team's ace.

“It's a number. An important one, especially at Juve, but ultimately just a number. Once I added +5 on the shirt, but it was just a random thought of the day, there was no meaning behind it.

“In football there's no such thing as growing old, you just get experienced. I'm young, but I've already collected experience. In any case I always give it my all, because what matters most is the team. Everything I do, I do it to help the team.”

[Socrates 8295]

 

Pogba: 'Four Scudetti not enough'

http://www.football-italia.net/83550/pogba-four-scudetti-not-enough?

 
Apr 29, 2016

Paul Pogba says 'four Scudetti with Juventus are not enough, I'll be the greatest midfielder ever'.

The 'gold nugget of French football', as former UEFA President Michel Platini once referred to him, is an openly ambitious footballer.

In an extensive interview, he explained that he doesn't consider his personal desire to grow to be at odds with playing for the team.

“If [barcelona's Leo] Messi scores, does that make him selfish?” he told La Repubblica. “No, being strong lets you help the team. Take Cristiano Ronaldo. He sets himself some incredibly high objectives, he's ambitious, he wants to beat every record, he wants the Ballon D'Or. That's not selfishness.

“Sometimes I play well, and sometimes I don't. That's why I get angry. I hate making mistakes. I made even more mistakes back when I played in the street, and I used to react exactly the same way. Improving, and reducing mistakes – that's what I call experience.

“I've only won four Scudetti. They're not enough for me. I've always been like this, people called me crazy but I want to make history and become the strongest midfielder ever.

“I'd like to surpass [Frank] Lampard. I want to be the midfielder who can do everything, and at the highest levels. Shooting, dribbling, scoring, defending. I want to be like Lampard, but better.

“As for money, I know it comes and goes. I'd be lying if I said it makes no difference not having it, but I see it as a consequence of hard work. The stronger you are, the more you make. Ronaldo deserves the pay he gets, it's not like he steals it.

“As for my future, I want to beat Carpi, then I want the Coppa Italia, and then Euro 2016 in France. After that, I have a contract with Juventus, I can't just get up one morning and take a plane to England. Ask the people who work in the transfer department.”

Pogba was also questioned about the different competitions he takes part in, from the Champions League and Serie A to the international tournaments.

“Four years ago, when we drew Bayern, we thought it was over. This year we thought we could beat them.

“The Italian championship is the hardest, it's all tactics and you have no space at all. In Europe they allow you time to play, although the winners are those with the best defence, like Atletico Madrid.

“As for the Euros, I don't feel the pressure of playing at home. Football is instinct, Messi is instinct, and I play by instinct. If I see an opening, I go for it, without thinking.”

[Socrates 8295]

 

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo
ambitious, not selfish - Paul Pogba

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/juventus/story/2861159/real-madrids-cristiano-ronaldo-not-selfish-paul-pogba

 
Apr 29, 2016

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has said that he does not think Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo is selfish for wanting to play in every match, and added that he has similar ambitions.

The France international has had a mixed Serie A campaign, but still managed eight goals in 33 matches as his side won Serie A for the fifth year in a row. The ex-Manchester United player will complete a league and cup double for the second year running if Juve beat AC Milan in the Coppa Italia final on May 21.

The 23-year-old, who is regarded as one of the best young players in Europe and will be a key player for France in their bid to win the European Championship at home this summer, has said that criticism of Ronaldo is not merited.

"You would say that wanting to be No. 1 in a team sport is not selfish? If he scores, is that selfish? No, the stronger he is the more he can help his team. Ronaldo never wants to miss a minute [of play]? He has really high expectations, he is ambitious, he wants to break records and win Ballons d'Or. That is not selfishness."

Pogba also said he wants to emulate Chelsea legend Frank Lampard and wants to add even more trophies to his growing collection.

"I've only won four Scudetti," the France international told La Repubblica. "They're not enough for me. I've always been like this, people called me crazy but I want to make history and become the strongest midfielder ever.

"I'd like to surpass [Frank] Lampard. I want to be the midfielder who can do everything, and at the highest levels. Shooting, dribbling, scoring, defending. I want to be like Lampard, but better.

"I have one flaw: I hate to lose. I like to be different and do what others don't dare to do," he said. "I work hard to try to be perfect because it makes me happy when I win. If people want to criticise me for that, then go ahead."

Pogba is under contract with Juventus until 2019, but some of the continent's top clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and Barcelona, are all reported to be monitoring the rising star's progress.

Pogba said his future is in the hands of his agents and he is only focused on the matches ahead.

"I want to beat Carpi [sunday] and then the Coppa Italia and after that the European Championships in France," he said. "After all that I still have a contract with Juventus. I can't just get up in the morning and take a plane to England. You have to ask the people who work on transfers about those things."

[Socrates 8295]

 

Juventus set Pogba deadline

http://www.football-italia.net/83604/juventus-set-pogba-deadline?

 
Apr 30, 2016

La Stampa and giornalaccio rosa dello Sport claim Juventus and Paul Pogba will decide on his future within the next three weeks.

The midfielder arrived on a free transfer after his contract with Manchester United expired in 2012 and is now worth in the region of €100m.

His current contract in Turin runs until June 2019, but the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain all want the player.

According to today’s editions of both La Stampa and La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, Juventus have set a deadline to decide on his future, as Pogba’s departure would force a radical shift of transfer strategy.

He has three weeks to accept a contract renewal or opt to walk away from Turin.

The plan from Juventus is to extend his contract to June 2020, increasing the wages from €4.5m per season to €6m plus bonuses.

Another part of the plan is to move Pogba from a midfield role to more of a trequartista behind the strikers, seeing as he already wears the Number 10 jersey.

It would allow him to play closer to the goal and focus more on providing assists and scoring.

[Socrates 8295]

 

A CURIOUS CASE OF POGBA

http://www.juvefc.com/curious-case-pogba/?

 
May 2, 2016

As the 2015/2016 season is fast approaching its end and EURO 2016 is beginning to loom over the world of football, the transfer window in turn is awakening from its slumber. The rumour mill has already started grinding out possible (or absolutely not possible, whatever suits the moment) transfers we can expect in the summer.

Turning our eye to our beloved La Vecchia Signora, one of our players is yet again in the middle of a speculation war. Our French prodigy, Paul Pogba. Will he stay at Juve or will he seek greener pastures?

The likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City, PSG, United and Chelsea are all reported to be pondering a big money deal for Pogboom. Especially Barcelona is a likely destination, given that Pogba is friendly with Neymar and a fan of Messi. I don’t expect a Premier League return for Pogba, United won’t be willing to spend so much on their former player and Pogba joining any other English team than United seems also unlikely. (Maybe Chelsea, since Conte became coach there?)

The reported value of Pogba varies between 80 and 100+million euros. Pogba himself has a long lasting contract at Juve (2019) and has mentioned he has no desire to leave. He is perfectly happy in Turin. Our management has no intention of cashing in on the player, other than if Pogba wants to leave.

Which would push a possible transfer sum closer to the 100mill sum than the aforementioned 80 million. We also have to consider the influence of a positive/negative EURO campaign. Assuming Pogba and France will at least make it out of the group stage, I expect EURO 2016 to increase Pogba’s value.

So assuming Pogba would bring in 100 million euros, should Juve sell him or not? A tricky case to ponder in the least.

From a financial point of view, selling him for that sum would mean a gigantic profit for Juve. We only paid a training compensation fee for him when we took him from United. We can start dreaming about what players we could lure with that much money to spend. We could get a world class replacement for Pogba and add an elite striker to the squad as well. ( I will not go into names here)

Pogba as a player would be sorely missed however. His influence on the team is not to be downplayed. Paul is a very complete player, brimming with talent and still at such a tender age, you can build a team around him that would last for another 10 years. Who needs money when you already have Pogba in the ranks?!

I took a look at what happened to other teams who sold a key player for an enormous fee. How did they spend it and did they improve the team?

The most expensive player of all time presently is Gareth Bale, who moved from Tottenham to Real Madrid for no less than 100.7million euros. Tottenham splashed this sum on 7 different players, in pursuit of a stronger team. Those seven players were: Roberto Soldado (Valencia), Erik Lamela (Roma), Etienne Capoue (Toulouse), Vlad Chiriches (Steaua Bukarest), Paulinho (Corinthians), Nacer Chadli (Twente) and Christian Eriksen (Ajax).


Current status:

Soldado: Sold for a loss to Villareal

Lamela: Still present, but has floundered at Tottenham. A shadow of his former self in his first season. He has rediscovered some of his old form this season though, so should not be written off yet.

Capoue: Sold for a loss to Watford and performing well there.

Chiriches: Sold for a loss to Napoli.

Paulinho: Sold for a loss to Guangzhou Evergrande.

Nacer Chadli: Still present and doing a good job. Not outstanding, not bad either.

Christian Eriksen: One of the hottest talents right now, has stepped up and is an immensely important player for Tottenham. Hugely increased in value.


Looking at this, it’s fair to say Tottenham didn’t make the most out of their money. 4 out of the 7 players purchased with the Bale haul of gold have been sold for less money than Tottenham paid for them. Of the remaining 3, only Eriksen has added real quality to the team and is the only player who can be sold for a profit.

Did Tottenham profit by selling Bale? In my view, not really. They have Eriksen, they have Chadli and Lamela, but they wasted the rest of the money.

That other expensive player is the Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. He was bought for 97million euros from Manchester United. Curiously, Ferguson decided not to spend the money on a direct replacement. They invested it to relieve debts mostly. Not much to discuss from a sporting point of view, but fast forward to the present and United are struggling badly to get into European football. This has nothing to do with the Ronaldo sale of course, but it suggests they could have spent their money more wisely to prevent this.

They made the mistake of not renewing their squad, not starting a new cycle, until it was already too late. They didn’t give youth a chance( see Pogba!) and had been relying on their veterans for too long. (Sounds familiar, Milan and Inter?) Realising the need for mass renovation United have now begun this new cycle, investing in youth and giving them chances to shine: see Martial, Rashford, Lingard, Memphis etc.. However, results have been hit and miss so far, with United struggling to gain all important champions league football this campaign.

After analysing these two transfers, it’s time to focus on the original subject…

What about Juve eh?! We can all think of a similar case in our own story. He is the player we sold for the highest sum in our history, he is a countryman of Pogba and is currently the Real Madrid coach. Zinedine Zidane!

Comparisons are rife between Pogba and Zidane. Both are French, both are central midfielders, both have technique and creativity that goes beyond imagination and both are simply fantastic footballers.

How did Juve spend the 75 million they received from Madrid and was it money wisely spend?

Zidane was sold and in came the new lads: Gianluigi Buffon(23yo), Pavel Nedved(28yo) and Lilian Thuram(29yo). All 3 of them were a huge success. The Zidane money gave Juve the means to plug some holes in the squad and remain competitive both domestically and in Europe. Juve won 4 Scudetti from 2001 to 2006 and came close to Champions League glory twice.

Buffon is still our goalie, Nedved has become a director for the club and Thuram left us for Barcelona after the Calciopoli scandal.

Lippi – Juventus coach at the time – admitted they could not find a new Zidane, but the team got stronger after all.

Curiously, if we compare these 3 sales, only Juve really made a step forward selling their most prized asset at the time. Tottenham and United rather lost out by selling their star player, one could argue. Perhaps this is why Marcello Lippi also advises Juve to sell Pogba and reinvest the money?

Spectacularly enough, Lippi backtracked on his own comment recently, advising Juve NOT to sell Pogba:

If we do sell Pogba, the skills of our management to handle the money and invest it well will be vital to the success of the club: spend it on the wrong player(s) and you have given away a superstar for nothing. That being said, I feel confident Marotta & Paratici will spend it wisely, should Pogba be sold.

We should also note that Juve has a penchant for selling a player when the time is ripe to move him on, cashing in a solid return on our investments (such as Zidane and Baggio).


CONCLUSION

Whether or not we sell Pogba, we should look at the potential positives. If Pogba gets sold, he will bring in a gigantic fee for us. With that money we could buy another 3 great players and perhaps repeat the Zidane story. If Pogba stays at Juve, then we get to enjoy watching him play even longer in our colours. He is a class act and still has a lot to offer, is still improving and has potential in spades to be plumbed.

Should Juve sell him? In my opinion, no. I would keep Pogba and I think that will be the scenario. The only reasons for Pogba to leave are either money or a desire for new experiences in a new league and culture.

He is loved by teammates and fans alike, knows the club and league well, loves being here, has been handed the iconic #10 and he will see his salary go up with Juve too.

[Socrates 8295]

 

Pogba: ‘Juventus made me better’

http://www.football-italia.net/83827/pogba-%E2%80%98juventus-made-me-better%E2%80%99?

 
May 4, 2016

Paul Pogba puts his development in recent years down to Juventus stars “like Gigi Buffon or Andrea Pirlo”.

The French midfielder joined the Bianconeri for a nominal fee after leaving Manchester United, and over the past four seasons has become one of the most highly-regarded players in world football.

“It's true I've improved a lot over the last few years,” Pogba told UEFA’s website.

“I think it's because I'm surrounded by great players who are humble, hard workers who make you work hard too.

“Players like Gigi Buffon or Andrea Pirlo. They are my role models. I want to do what they have done.”

[Socrates 8295]

 

Marotta: 'Man City asked for Pogba'

http://www.football-italia.net/83838/marotta-man-city-asked-pogba?

 
May 4, 2016

Juventus director Beppe Marotta confirms “Manchester City asked us for Paul Pogba, but we politely replied he was not for sale.”

The director general spoke to Mediaset Premium this evening and was asked about interest in the €100m-rated midfielder.

“It’s true, Manchester City asked us for Pogba last year. We said as much, but we politely replied that he was not for sale and the matter ended there.

“I won’t deny he has many offers, as does Paulo Dybala, because they are both talented and very young. However, we want to hold on tight, as they are not on the market.

“Pogba is 23 years old and can continue with us for a long time.”

Marotta also commented on plans to reinforce the Bianconeri during the summer.

“We must try to create a mix of youth and experience, possibly maintaining Italian roots. We can improve, but must find players available who are suited to us.

“That is not easy, because our competitors on the transfer market are the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, PSG and Manchester City, who rarely let go of their prized players.”

Meanwhile, Juventus have to discuss the future of Alvaro Morata with Real Madrid, who retain a buy-back clause.

“Florentino Perez is a great director and we have a good rapport with Real Madrid. We’ll visit them to negotiate for Morata and other situations too.”

[Socrates 8295]

 

Even a World-Record Transfer Fee
Should Not Tempt Juventus to Sell Paul Pogba

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2637810-even-a-world-record-transfer-fee-should-not-tempt-juventus-to-sell-paul-pogba?

 
May 5, 2016

With Juventus having clinched a fifth consecutive Serie A title with three matches remaining—and with the Coppa Italia final still to be played—much has been said about the contributions of many members of the squad.

Coach Massimiliano Allegri has overseen a superb campaign from a number of new signings, with Paulo Dybala and Sami Khedira arguably foremost among them. Meanwhile, long-serving veterans such as Gigi Buffon, Andrea Barzagli and Patrice Evra have maintained a remarkable consistency in every game.

However, arguably even more important has been the development seen in both Leonardo Bonucci and Paul Pogba. Indeed, while the former has evolved into one of Europe's most accomplished central defenders, his French team-mate has blossomed to arguably an even higher level.

Having previously been the promising youngster in Juve's star-studded midfield, Pogba played a supporting role alongside Claudio Marchisio, Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo. He would occasionally prove to be a match-winner, but the departure of that latter pair before the start of 2015/16 saw the Bianconeri demand more from the 23-year-old.

Pogba struggled with the weight of such expectation in the early weeks, the poor performances of the new-look team around him adding to his struggles and failing to provide an environment in which his ability could shine.

Gradually, however—as he grew comfortable with his new team-mates—the former Manchester United man became the dominant force he had long been expected to be. He has delivered 10 goals and 14 assists in all competitions, beating his previous career-high marks of nine and eight, respectively, and many proved to be decisive.

Since Juventus were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League in early March, Pogba has raised his game to an even higher standard, netting in that loss to Bayern Munich and starting an eight-game streak in which he has scored or created a goal every time he stepped onto the field.

OptaPaolo ✔ ‎@OptaPaolo
14 - Paul Pogba has been directly involved in 14 goals since the start of 2016, a joint-record in Serie A. Star.

That has seen transfer speculation increase further still, with La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport (h/t Football Italia) listing Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain as potential bidders.

Each could be expected to break the world transfer record to secure a deal, but Juventus should resist no matter how high the price goes as Pogba is clearly the centre-piece of this revamped side.

Now with freedom to burst forward and create openings for others, his vast potential has opened up immense possibilities for a side also blessed with the likes of Alex Sandro and Dybala. Losing Pogba would halt that hope no matter who was signed to replace him.

The Bianconeri appear to recognise this, with Turin-based newspaper La Stampa (h/t Football Italia) believing the club have offered the player a new contract while the management team sing his praises.

“I would keep him” Allegri told a recent press conference when asked to choose between Pogba or €100 million, and director general Beppe Marotta was even more emphatic in a recent interview with La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

“I agree with what Allegri said about Pogba,” the club official told the sports daily (h/t Ben Gladwell of ESPN FC). “We also want to build a competitive team and, for this, Pogba is a fundamental component.”

Juventus will not be able to attract the kind of stars needed to win in Europe if they cannot hold onto the most important members of their squad, and after the upheaval of last summer, they need some stability this time around.

Pogba has proved his ability over recent months and will continue to improve, meaning that even a world-record transfer fee should not tempt Juventus to sell their latest talismanic No. 10.