Chievo defender Nicolas Frey believes Juventus’ Paul Pogba “should be allowed to grow more peacefully.”
The French midfielder has come in for criticism for his early form this season, and his compatriot believes he’s struggling under the weight of expectation.
“How was Pogba when I played against him?” Frey considered in an interview with Goal.
Chievo defender Nicolas Frey believes Juventus’ Paul Pogba “should be allowed to grow more peacefully.”
The French midfielder has come in for criticism for his early form this season, and his compatriot believes he’s struggling under the weight of expectation.
“How was Pogba when I played against him?” Frey considered in an interview with Goal.
“Honestly, not good. You can see that he’s not calm. I have no doubt he’ll become a top player, his qualities are obvious, and he did great things last season.
“But I think he’s had too many responsibilities thrust on him, and he’s struggling under the weight of that.
“Everyone expects a lot from him, both for Juve and the national team, but we mustn’t forget he’s only 22.
“I think he should be allowed to grow more peacefully.”
Chievo have started the season in fine form, are they tired of always being referred to as the surprise package?
“No, come on, it’s always nice to impress people,” Frey laughs.
“In fact, the first people to be surprised are ourselves. In pre-season we fell at the first hurdle in the Coppa Italia, so the enthusiasm wasn’t at its peak for the start of the season.
“But we won our first game against Empoli, then after that there was the incredible [4-0] game against Lazio, when we were 3-0 up at half-time.
“Then we drew with Juventus in Turin in a game that we deserved to win. The results have given us confidence.”