Reactions as Paul Pogba makes home debut at AS Monaco

The previous weekend, Paul Pogba (32) made his long-awaited return, 26 months after his last professional game. Against Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday, La Pioche made his home debut for AS Monaco.

Pogba came on with the game already beyond Monaco, against Stade Rennais. However, there was plenty on the line when he came on in the 85th minute. At the time, the Principality club were a goal up, but a man down, and the France international came on to see his side over the line, which he did.

“I think he can keep progressing,” reacted Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro in a mixed zone interview attended by Get French Football News. “The quality and the understanding of the game are there. Physical development is the challenge. He will improve this by having more time on the pitch, as he did today.”

Pogba engages with Monaco fans

Sébastien Pocognoli added: “He is continuing his process. It was planned that he would come on [against PSG], either to push [us] or to defend. Today, he came on with us 10 against 11, and he brought the energy that was necessary. I am happy to see him in this kind of match.”

Whilst Pogba did not perform any media duties, unlike the previous week, he did engage with the home supporters post-match, calling on the ultras to give more. “Today, we won, but we need more atmosphere guys,” said the midfielder, who got a chirpy response. “We have been bringing the atmosphere for 30 years; we didn’t wait for you to come here. You have to sweat in the shirt!” they responded. As he walked away from the stand, Pogba was, nonetheless, strongly applauded.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle – reporting from Monaco