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Sports News of Sunday, 7 May 2023

Source: www.goal.com

'He told me to relax!' - Paul Pogba touchline row addressed by Massimiliano Allegri

Massimiliano Allegri (left), Paul Pogba (right) Massimiliano Allegri (left), Paul Pogba (right)

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri says his touchline feud with Paul Pogba erupted after the midfielder lost the ball and then told him to "relax".

What happened? The two exchanged words on the touchline as Juventus beat Atalanta 2-0 in Sunday's Serie A clash. Allegri complained to Pogba after the France star lost the ball and the argument got heated, with the coach then kicking water bottles on the touchline.

What they said: Allegri explained that the row started because Pogba lost possession, telling Sky Sports: "With Paul’s quality and characteristics, he cannot lose the ball in those situations. He told me to relax, but there’s no relaxing, we needed to keep the ball at that moment."

The bigger picture: The Bianconeri's win in Bergamo lifted them up to second place in Serie A with four games left to play. They sit two points ahead of Lazio, who lost to AC Milan this weekend, and a further point clear of Inter. Pogba made only his fifth appearance in Serie A this season against Atalanta, having spent the majority of his homecoming campaign in Turin on the sidelines due to injury.

What's next? Juve turn their attention to Europa League action as they take on Sevilla in the first leg of their semi-final tie on Thursday.