Conte: The man who made Manchester United’s Pogba

When Paul Pogba left Manchester United in 2012, many within the club knew just how big a talent was walking through the exit door. Difficult circumstances at the time led to his departure with all parties concerned believing that it was the best decision, with Juventus emerging as the biggest winners after snapping up the French ace on a free transfer. However, few would have predicted how well Pogba would have developed in his four years in Turin, as he gradually became more important each passing season. Antonio Conte undoubtedly had a pivotal role in his early improvement, with the French international growing in terms of his performances, maturity and all-round ability to play an integral role for a top European club. Having shown faith in the youngster to produce when called upon, the pair won two Serie A titles during their two years together, and Conte certainly paved the way for Pogba to continue to play a prominent role for the Bianconeri even after his exit in the summer of 2014. That influence and guidance was not lost on the Frenchman, who revealed his admiration and respect for his coach just a short time after arriving in Italy. “I have had two coaches who demand determination and ruthlessness," he said in an interview in 2013. “They are tough to please so I knew working for a perfectionist like Antonio Conte would be appealing. He is the perfect man to help me achieve my aims. When I do something good he reminds me there’s still more to do. “I didn’t think I would be where I am at this stage, with 20 games. My progress has been quicker than I expected. Conte told me he believed in me and that I would be useful to the team." It wasn't long before rumours began to link Pogba with an exit from Turin, but through all the speculation, Conte made clear that he didn't want to lose his talented midfielder. Both men knew what the other could do to help them achieve their respective ambitions, and from that standpoint too, Conte was a key part of Pogba being in the position he is in today. From slowing monitoring his progress in the early part of their time together and allowing him to settle alongside the likes of Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal, to giving him more responsibility as the season went on, Conte dealt with the entire situation almost perfectly. Massimiliano Allegri will also feel as though he did plenty for Pogba's career, and he would be right. The 23-year-old has become more and more important for Juve in the last two years, but now he'll hope to take all that he has learnt back to Manchester and will relish seeing a familiar face at Stamford Bridge in October.

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