SBOTOP : Paul Pogba’s Comeback Raises Questions After Underwhelming Performances

Paul Pogba’s long-awaited return to competitive football continues to draw intense scrutiny, especially after the midfielder was once again left out of AS Monaco’s matchday squad. The decision has reignited debate over whether Pogba’s comeback is progressing as planned or if deeper concerns remain behind the scenes.

Since returning from a lengthy doping suspension, Pogba’s playing time has been carefully managed, leading to growing questions from supporters and pundits alike. Given his pedigree as a World Cup winner and one of the most recognizable midfielders of his generation, expectations around his return have inevitably been high.

Amid the mounting speculation, Monaco head coach Sebastien Pocognoli has moved to calm the narrative, insisting that the club is deliberately prioritizing patience and long-term recovery over short-term pressure.

Monaco Choose Caution Over Momentum

Pocognoli’s decision to rest Pogba once again has made the midfielder’s comeback appear stop-start rather than progressive. However, from Monaco’s perspective, the approach is calculated rather than concerning.

Pogba has made only a handful of appearances since joining the club in the summer, following an 18-month suspension that kept him away from professional football for more than two years. At 32 years old, the Frenchman is attempting to return not just from a ban, but from an extended period without competitive rhythm at the elite level.

So far, Pogba has featured three times as a substitute in Ligue 1, including a notable cameo in Monaco’s impressive victory over Paris Saint-Germain. That appearance briefly reignited optimism, suggesting glimpses of his vision and composure were still intact.

Yet consistency has proven elusive. Pogba remained an unused substitute in two UEFA Champions League fixtures before being left out entirely for Monaco’s clash with Marseille. Monaco have been transparent in stating that his workload is being closely monitored to avoid physical setbacks.

Pocognoli Plays Down Panic

Addressing public concern, Pocognoli made it clear that he understands why doubts exist—but firmly rejected the idea that Monaco are worried.

“To come back from where he was and to be able to play again is already something extraordinary,” Pocognoli said. “At the moment, I cannot look too far into the future.”

“He is working hard, and we are here to support him. I understand the concerns, but I cannot allow myself to worry. I manage the team, and Paul is part of what I want to build, once he is ready to help us.”

The Monaco coach emphasized that Pogba’s return to match fitness is already a significant achievement in itself. The club’s medical and coaching staff believe that both physical readiness and mental clarity must align before the midfielder can be entrusted with a more prominent role.

A Long and Complicated Road Back

Pogba’s comeback story is among the most closely followed narratives of the season. Initially handed a four-year doping ban, the sanction was later reduced to 18 months after it was ruled that the prohibited substance was ingested unintentionally.

The ruling allowed Pogba to resume his career far earlier than expected, but it did not erase the challenges associated with such a long absence. After leaving Juventus, Pogba opted to join Monaco in a bid to reset his career in familiar surroundings, returning to French football where his professional journey first began.

However, reintegration has been far from smooth. Minor physical issues disrupted his early weeks at the club, while managerial instability further complicated matters. Adolf Hütter, the coach who initially sanctioned Pogba’s arrival, was dismissed before the midfielder even made his competitive debut.

Pogba eventually returned to action against Rennes in November, a moment he later described as emotionally overwhelming. Despite that milestone, he has yet to register a goal or an assist, underlining how much work remains before he can be judged on output alone.

Managing Expectations and Reality

From Monaco’s standpoint, the objective is not to rush Pogba back into prominence but to integrate him sustainably. The club view his leadership, experience, and professionalism as long-term assets rather than immediate solutions.

For Pogba, the challenge is as much psychological as it is physical. Extended absences can dull match sharpness, timing, and confidence—elements that cannot be restored overnight. While flashes of quality remain evident, consistency will likely come only through gradual exposure.

External pressure, however, continues to grow. Every omission fuels speculation about whether Pogba can truly return to elite form or if his best years are firmly behind him.

What Comes Next?

Despite the uncertainty, neither Monaco nor Pogba appear willing to abandon the project. The club’s message remains consistent: patience is non-negotiable. Internally, there is belief that Pogba can still contribute meaningfully once his body fully adapts to competitive demands.

For now, Pogba’s comeback remains a work in progress—one defined by caution, resilience, and unanswered questions. Whether this careful approach will ultimately pay off may only become clear in the months ahead.

What is certain is that Paul Pogba’s return is no longer just about minutes played or performances delivered. It has become a test of patience, perception, and perseverance—both for the player and for the club that has entrusted him with a second chance.