Paul Pogba has expressed that he holds nothing but respect for Jose Mourinho, despite their challenging relationship during their time at Manchester United, reports BritPanorama.
Mourinho brought Pogba back to Old Trafford in the summer transfer window of 2016, marking the midfielder’s return after a four-year stint at Juventus. Initially, their collaboration yielded success, with Pogba playing a pivotal role in United’s victories in the EFL Cup and Europa League during his first season back in England.
However, by 2018, the dynamics had shifted, as Mourinho’s confidence in Pogba waned. The manager began opting for players like Scott McTominay and Fred over Pogba, leading to a breakdown in their relationship. Mourinho left United later in 2018, while Pogba departed in 2022 without having secured the Premier League title.
In a recent conversation on Rio Ferdinand’s podcast, Pogba addressed their history, stating, “You don’t want to be mean, I don’t have any problem with any coaches” and emphasized his respect for managerial figures. Reflecting on their interactions, he noted, “We were very cool at the start, sending messages and stuff like that. He’s a really funny man.” Pogba attributed some of the strain to media scrutiny, suggesting that the constant attention may have frustrated Mourinho.
Pogba acknowledged that he sensed a shift in the atmosphere at Manchester United shortly after his return. “I talked to Pat [Patrice Evra] and said everything is different. The energy is different,” he recalled, indicating that his experiences upon returning contrasted sharply with his first spell at the club. He expressed concern that he might not complete his contract due to these unforeseen changes.
Currently, Pogba plays for Monaco, yet his tenure has been marred by persistent injuries. His aspirations to participate in the upcoming World Cup appear largely out of reach as France is anticipated to be among the frontrunners in the tournament. The unfolding of his career since leaving Manchester United serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of success and stability in professional football, reflecting the complexities of player-coach relationships deep within the sport.
