Everyone is against Paul Pogba, says Man Utd and France star’s former coach
Posted Friday, June 08, 2018 by squawka.com
France and Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is a victim of his own success, according to former coach Pierre Mankowski.
Commanding a then-world record fee of £89m when re-joining United from Juventus in 2016, Pogba has been constantly scrutinised for performances which many believe do not live up to his price-tag.
A lot of the focus on the France side ahead of the World Cup has fallen on Pogba, with many still waiting for him to lead a team to glory.
And Mankowski, who worked with Pogba in France’s youth ranks, believes the 25-year-old is falling victim to being a top star as a teenager but not developing further.
Paul Pogba is the first Man Utd player to provide 10+ assists in a single Premier League season since Ángel Di María in 2014/15.
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) 2018å¹´4月18æ—¥
Double figures. 👌 pic.twitter.com/Jq5zNTA2XZ
"Everyone is always a little against him,” he told Le Parisien.
"We always think he can do more. But he matured very quickly.
"If he had only appeared today, we’d say he is a good player. We expect so much of him because he was such a phenomenon at 19.
"Everyone praised him, he was extraordinary. He was already drawing the spotlight. It pleased the media, too, and he was given extraordinary coverage.
"It may not have served him well. Today, he still has his level, but we already want to see him improve.
"What harms him is the way he is on the park. He appears laidback, you never have the impression that he’s sprinting to get the ball. His rhythm is always unusual. He has this great muscle mass, he carries his head high.”
Mankowski also believes Pogba must hurt from the almost-constant criticism he receives, but should not listen and continue to improve.
He added: “He’s always believed in himself a great deal. Initially, it was seen as something charging; it was said that this attitude could take him very far. But today it’s almost too much.
"We want him to progress constantly and be a prodigy. But he’s a human being and must be hurt by being criticised. He must not lose confidence and begin to doubt himself. We know what he’s worth and what he can bring. He won’t change now.”
Pogba is part of Didier Deschamps’ 23-man squad for the World Cup this summer and is expected to a key figure in central midfield.
Les Bleus kick off their campaign against Australia on June 16 before facing Peru and Denmark in their other Group C fixtures.
Pogba’s Manchester United career so far
Since returning to the club in 2016, Pogba’s performances have split opinions.
During the 2017/18 season, the midfielder created 49 chances in the Premier League with only Juan Mata (56) managing more.
Pogba’s 10 assists and six goals also put him as the club’s second-best player in terms of direct goal contributions, behind only Romelu Lukaku (16 goals, seven assists).
Despite this, there are some who believe the club’s current formation and playing style under Jose Mourinho is limiting Pogba from playing at the best of his abilities.
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