He said numerous times that this race is his first big goal of the season.Pogacar had a couple of peaks last year, including a late-ish one at the Vuelta, so he may have been looking for a slower build up this year.
He's targeting the Tour so I'd wouldn't read much into this result -- although I'm sure he would have gone for the win if he could have.
Yates might be the best mountain stage hunter out there right now; he could win another GT under the right circumstances. Outstanding rider. I'm a fan.