Turin –
Paul Pogba absent when Juventus beat Freiburg in the first leg of the top 16 Europa League for being subject to disciplinary sanctions. The penalty is a reminder that no player should feel special on the team.
Pogba could only celebrate from the stands when Angel Di Maria’s header ensured a 1-0 win for Juventus at the Allianz Stadium, Friday (10/3/2023) early morning WIB. He arrived late at the team meeting the day before the match, so he was punished not from the team.
“He arrived late, and players, especially those with star status, must comply with the rules. It is right to write him off from the current team and impose a fine on him,” Juventus director Francesco Calvo told Sky Sport Italia.
“Really happy to be able to appear on the European stage like this, and we will be fully committed. It is indeed difficult for the team to find motivation and reasons to play, so it is very crucial for us to be united and appear determined in this match,” he explained.
After the game, coach Massimiliano Allegri also stated the same thing. As a senior, the midfielder from France must set an example.
“There are a number of rules in a team like Juventus and they must be respected, especially by veterans. To be able to perform optimally in a competition, you need not only technique and quality, but it is also important to have character and moral strength,” he said.
Pogba has only made two appearances this season after suffering a knee injury. Allegri ensured that Pogba’s suspension was over and that the player could appear in Juventus’ next match, namely against Sampdoria on Monday (13/3) at 02.45 WIB.
(adp/aff)
