“A sad situation” – France coach on Pogba drug case scandal

France coach Didier Deschamps has addressed the ongoing drug case involving Paul Pogba and expressed his sympathy for the Juventus midfielder.

Pogba tested positive for the banned substance DHEA after a match against Udinese on August 20, triggering a trial that could result in a two to four-year ban.

Deschamps feels sorry for the challenges Pogba is currently facing, saying, “Allegri is particularly sad for Paul, as am I too, a lot of things have fallen on his head lately.

“He finds himself in a complicated situation. He will defend himself. He will have to defend himself; this is part of a long procedure.”

The France coach was also tight-lipped from making any definitive statements about Pogba’s future with the national team. He only said that it would take time to assess the situation.

Pogba has made 91 international appearances for France since his debut in March 2013, scoring 11 goals. He was a key part of the squad that won the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 Nations League title.

Meanwhile, Deschamps hopes that Pogba will overcome the current challenge. “I hope for him that he finds his smile again, the full possession of his means, that he will find the pitch again, but it will take time.”