11 September 2023 , 14:02
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Paul Pogba has claimed that he can’t decide if he is a leader himself amid scathing criticism from Roy Keane.
The Frenchman is currently in his second season back with Italian giants Juventus after an inconsistent spell with Manchester United. The midfielder became the Red Devils’ record signing in 2016 for an £89m fee.
He never quite hit the heights expected of him at Old Trafford. Ex-United captain Keane was a regular critic of the Frenchman’s inconsistent performances and towards the back end of his time with the club claimed that he did not possess leadership abilities. He said: “I still don't think Pogba will drive United back to winning championships. I don't think he's a big leader, that type of character. I still think United need to go and get two world-class players."
Funnily enough, Pogba has been discussing leaders recently. Speaking to Al Jazeera, he pointed to the standout leaders that he had come across in his career - including a Red Devils icon.
“I saw different kinds of leaders. I saw Zlatan [Ibrahimovic] he was a harsh leader,” he said. “He wanted you to win and he said it in a harsh way, which I liked. Some people liked it and some didn’t. It could bring people or up down.
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“With Zlatan, you needed to be strong mentally. Michael Jordan-style. Patrice Evra was the leader of France’s national team and Man United. He was totally different. Very calm.
Paul Pogba has made two substitute appearances for Juventus this season (Getty Images)Was Paul Pogba a success or a failure at Man United? Share your thoughts in the comments below
“He said things in a nice way, sometimes even if sometimes he could hard. Pirlo here in Italy, he was a leader on the pitch. Not somebody who spoke a lot in the dressing room, but on the pitch he gave you confidence.”
Pogba was then asked if he sees himself as a leader but claimed that the decision lies with others instead. “I can’t say I am a leader, people say if you are or not,” he added. “I will do everything to win. I will give my best to my teammates and everyone to win.”
Pogba, now 30, will be aiming to improve his Juventus fortunes after the current international break. He made just ten appearances for the Turin giants last term - only one of those being starts - due to a succession of injuries.
He has made two appearances so far this term with second-half cameos against both Bologna and Empoli over the opening weeks of the campaign. Juventus are next back in action this weekend as they host Lazio.
Max Allegri’s side currently sit third in the Serie A standings after three matches of the campaign with two wins and a draw to their name.