Raphael Varane gave support to Paul Pogba and underlined the qualities of Mike Maignan ahead of France’s Nations League clash with Austria.
The Juventus midfielder has not had a great start to life in Turin, immediately suffering from a knee injury and dealing with personal issues off the pitch. Pogba has been ruled out of the upcoming World Cup, where Maignan hopes to make an impact after his incredible debut year with Milan.
Speaking in a press conference, Varane first spoke highly about Pogba and gave him some support during this difficult period.
“Of course I won’t talk about the legal news. He’s a friend of mine. I support him and he faces challenges, including this injury. He has to be okay to come back as soon as possible.
“He’s an extraordinary player, we want to see him on the pitch and fulfilled, we want to see him come back as soon as possible and enjoy himself.”
The Manchester United defender then discussed the qualities of Maignan, who was an instrumental part of Milan’s Scudetto winning squad last season.
“Maignan is a goalkeeper who brings calmness, as well as having that ability in goal. He’s a calm person, sure of his strengths, and it is true that as a defender feeling that presence at the back is important.
“It’s not only the potential he has but also the presence he has in goal.”
Pogba’s absence has been frustrating for both him and Juventus, who have not started the season well at all. Pressure is starting to mount on coach Massimiliano Allegri, who is keen to recover the Frenchman as soon as possible.