Pogba seeks to emulate Pirlo

Juventus starlet Paul Pogba has cited team-mate Andrea Pirlo as his daily inspiration and wants to emulate the iconic midfielder’s career.

After putting in another composed performance in place of the veteran Italian during his side’s 2-1 victory against Pescara on Saturday, the 20-year-old stepped out to praise his senior’s glittering career.

“I enjoyed it (being deployed in Pirlo’s customary playmaker role). He’s a fantastic player,” Pogba told reporters.

“I’ve admired him ever since I was a kid and I still watch him closely when he plays. I would like to have a similar career to his.”

Owing to the suspension of Arturo Vidal, the stage is set for the newly-capped France international to shine against Bayern Munich in the return leg of the Champions League quarter-finals next Wednesday.

And Pogba has indicated his confidence that Antonio Conte’s men can yet overturn the 2-0 first round defeat inflicted by the newly-crowned German champions when they play host in Turin.

“We need to think positive; we’ll be ready for Wednesday’s clash with Bayern and definitely believe we can pull off the comeback,” Pogba said.

Montenegro international Mirko Vucinic, scorer of both goals against Pescara, reiterated Pogba’s sentiment and warned Bayern to expect hostility in the clash at the Juventus Stadium.

“We must believe we can do it. Everyone needs to give more than one hundred per cent and face the game as if it were a war.

“The Germans have won the championship and I’d like to congratulate them, but they certainly won’t be greeted by a party atmosphere here on Wednesday night.”