Former Manchester United and Juventus defender Patrice Evra has shared his insights on Paul Pogba’s career, comparing the midfielder’s experiences in Serie A and the Premier League. In a recent interview with Stick to Football, Evra offered a candid perspective on Pogba’s abilities and challenges.
Evra emphasized Pogba’s exceptional talent, stating, “I used to tell him: stop thinking people hate you, it’s because you frustrate them. You’re an animal, when you go box to box, no one can stop you.” This description highlights Pogba’s immense physical prowess and impact on the field.
The French defender also revealed some behind-the-scenes details from Pogba’s time at Juventus. “Do you know how many times Allegri didn’t want to play him? Then maybe he would score a goal and be praised even if he had played poorly,” Evra shared, shedding light on the complexities of managing such a talented player.
Evra emphasized the importance of mental preparation in Pogba’s career. He recounted a specific incident before a Liverpool match: “The night before the game, I was on FaceTime with him, and I saw many people in his room, and he was signing shirts. I asked if he was ready for the game, and he said yes. I remember it was one of the worst games he played, so I spoke to him after the match, and he told me I was right, and he wasn’t focused.”