Juventus superstar Paul Pogba has heaped praise on Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola, whom he describes as an ‘icon of football’, and has expressed his desire to work with the Spaniard in the future.
Pep Guardiola set tongues wagging earlier this month when Manchester City confirmed his appointment as their manager on a three-year deal starting next season. A whole host of star names have been linked with a move to the Etihad since then, and Paul Pogba will no doubt be added to the list following his latest comments.
The French superstar has been linked with all of Europe’s top clubs, and although the 22-year-old stayed in Turin last summer, there is a growing sense that this could be his final season in Italy before a big-money transfer to another elite club.
Speaking about Guardiola to Sky Sports Germany (via The Daily Metro), Pogba said: “Guardiola has great experience and an immense philosophy of football. He is a coach who influences the squad and all the players respect him. You can only admire and try to learn something from him.
“He is an icon of football and I’ve heard he manages to improve every player he has at his disposal.”
When asked whether he could consider a move to Guardiola’s next destination Manchester City, the Juventus midfielder’s response was diplomatic: “I am a Juventus player now, but clearly the possibility of working with him in future could develop.”
Pogba to Manchester City a real possibility
La Liga giants Barcelona were considered favourites to sign the France midfielder, but their financial troubles mean that pulling off a big-money deal for him is a near impossibility this summer. Meanwhile, Real Madrid already have quality central midfielders in Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić, while Mateo Kovačić is also making his mark in Zinedine Zidane’s side.
Paris Saint-Germain are the other obvious contenders for his signature, but not only are they well-stocked in their central midfield department, Ligue 1 does not quite enjoy the same attention and popularity as the Premier League, La Liga or for that matter, even the Bundesliga.
Pep Guardiola is a name that will help Manchester City attract some of the world’s top players, and with the club in better financial health than ever before, they could well come up with the funds to prise Pogba away from Juventus.
The ambition City have shown has been stunning, and there would be no better way to strike fear into the hearts of their rivals ahead of next season than by signing one of the hottest prospects in the game.
