The Russia coach says the possible return of the France international from a hamstring injury will be vital to the Old Lady’s chances at the Bernabeu
Fabio Capello believes Paul Pogba must play for Juventus if the Italians are to see off Real Madrid and secure a place in the Champions League final.
The semi-final clash remains delicately balanced after the Bianconeri won the first leg 2-1 in Turin – a match which Pogba was forced to miss through injury.
Capello says Juventus’ hopes of ending a 12-year wait for a Champions League final could well depend on the fitness of the former Manchester United midfielder, who has been out with a hamstring injury since March but is set to make his comeback in Saturday’s Serie A clash with Cagliari.
“The most important thing, for me, is that Pogba has to be there,” the Russia coach told AS.
“He’s a great player. He is strong, physical, has quality, a nice touch and a good finish… He has everything.”
The Italian champions sat deep to see out a deserved victory in the first leg, with a switch to three at the back in the closing stages of the first leg frustrating Madrid’s much-vaunted attack.
Capello, who has coached both clubs, suspects that Bianconeri boss Massimiliano Allegri could well repeat the trick in the Spanish capital.
“Juventus know very well how to play in different ways,” he said. “I don’t know [if they will play three central defenders]. It depends on whether they fear the match of if they want to score a goal.”
Capello then went on to say that he hopes Madrid can make up the two points that separate them from current Liga leaders Barcelona, and that the Catalans’ own Champions League concerns distract them from their domestic duties.
“Everybody knows I’m a Real Madrid fan,” he said. “But Barcelona are at a high level, look what they did to Bayern Munich [a 3-0 win at Camp Nou on Wednesday]. It was incredible.
“There is a hope that they will relax a little, like what happened in [the recent 2-2 Liga draw at Sevilla].”