What Massimiliano Allegri had to say about impressive Paul Pogba cameo
Massimiliano Allegri hailed the cameo performance of Paul Pogba in Juventus' 1-1 draw with Sevilla in the Europa League.
Pogba has yet to start a game for Juve since his return in the 2022 summer transfer window, managing just 127 minutes of action due to a myriad of knee and muscle injuries.
The Frenchman finally looked back to his best on Thursday evening, however, making a telling contribution during his 20 minutes on the pitch in Juve's Europa League semi final first leg clash with Sevilla at the Allianz Stadium.
With his side 1-0 down and seemingly devoid of a creative spark, Pogba would eventually make a difference for La Vecchia Signora, assisting a 96th minute equaliser from Federico Gatti.
It was Pogba's first goal contribution of the 2022/23 season and, speaking to the press after the game, manager Allegri was keen to praise the French international.
“When games are in the opposition half, he is in an extraordinary player," Allegri said. "If he was in optimal condition, of course I would have him in the starting XI every game. He gave a very important contribution this evening.”
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Allegri also gave an assessment of his side's general performance on Thursday evening when speaking to Sky Sport Italia, and admitted that his team made "far too many mistakes" on the night.
“Up until the goal, my team had moved the ball well, but when we got up there, it all seemed too easy and we made far too many mistakes. On the counter-attack we were caught out because we didn’t track back and left gaps, also risking a second in similar circumstances.
“The lads did well to fight back and get a deserved draw that leaves everything to play for in the second leg.”
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