Paul Pogba must prove he's ready for 'high intensity and pressure' at Monaco as ex-Man Utd player returns to training after long absence

Pogba has returned to training at Monaco after nearly two years away from competitive football. The French midfielder, who was suspended for 18 months for doping and has battled multiple injuries, signed a two-year deal with the Ligue 1 club earlier this summer. "I'm determined," he said upon his arrival. "I want to get back on the pitch. But it will take as long as it takes." Pogba is now undergoing individualised training, with the club preparing him to join full team sessions soon.

The former Manchester United midfielder's goal is clear: to make it back to the French national team in time for the 2026 World Cup. Le Rocher represents a fresh start, but the stakes are high. After a long list of personal challenges: injuries, a doping ban, and even an extortion attempt he must now prove himself again physically and mentally. Monaco are watching closely to see if Pogba can cope with the daily load, intensity, and tactical demands of top-flight football.

Thiago Scuro, Monaco’s general manager, praised Pogba’s early progress, telling AFP: "Everything is going in the right direction. He has started training on the pitch and is making progress. The timing is right, the process is positive, with no yellow flags or backtracking so far." 

Scuro stressed, however, that Pogba must be ready for the high-pressure environment: "The intensity, pressure, and level are very high. He'll have to be able to repeat that training load daily. Then we'll see how his body adapts. He can become very important in a number 6 role, to connect with the defence, with his technique, his spirit and his understanding of the game."

If all goes well, Pogba could return to competitive action in October possibly in the Derby de la Cote d'Azur clash against Nice. Both Monaco and France boss Didier Deschamps, who is following his progress are hopeful. But Pogba must first complete full training sessions without setbacks. With time ticking and expectations high, the next two months could define his comeback story.