Ahead of France’s upcoming matches against Iceland and Germany, Didier Deschamps has played down rumors of a rift between Paul Pogba and Jose Mourinho.
Pogba was a crucial part of Deschamps’ French squad that lifted the World Cup earlier this summer. He even scored a stunning second half goal to seal their victory over Croatia in the final.
But ever since he rejoined Manchester United from Juventus in 2016, his club form has come under severe criticism.
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This season started on a similar note, with his inconsistent performances leading some fans and critics to question his loyalty to the club.
He was actually named captain for United’s opening fixtures in the absence of Antonio Valencia.
After a poor run of results for the Red Devils, Pogba told the media that the club should adopt a more attacking approach while playing at home. This was following a 1-1 draw with newly-promoted Wolves at Old Trafford.
The midfielder’s comments to the media reportedly angered his manager, and Mourinho stripped him of his captaincy in front of the entire squad.
Ever since Mourinho confirmed this to the press, rumors have been rife of a severe deterioration in relations between him and the 25 year old.
The fact that Barcelona were incessantly linked with him during the summer also didn’t help.
But Pogba’s brilliant second half performance during United’s comeback 3-2 win over Newcastle has helped quell some of the rumors.
His national team coach Didier Deschamps also doesn’t appear to be too concerned, according to Goal:
"“I think it’s exaggerated. Maybe you didn’t watch their last game, because I witnessed a great Paul Pogba. I think Jose saw the same thing as me. Some things happened and I think that, like is often the case, we make a big deal of something that isn’t.“There is no issue with Paul. I don’t want to be mixed up with anything and to interfere with any player’s relationship with their coach.” – Didier Deschamps"
With Mourinho’s job on the line after an indifferent start to the new season, Pogba will have to be at his very best in the upcoming matches against Chelsea and Juventus.