EPL 2016-17: Didier Deschamps urges Manchester United fans to be patient with Paul Pogba
France manager Didier Deschamps has urged fans to show some patience with Paul Pogba's performances for Manchester United, citing that he has to acclimatize to a new environment – and that takes some time. Deschamps handed Pogba his debut for the national side in March 2013 and has always believed in his abilities. He feels Pogba has come under too much criticism in light of his recent performances for the Red Devils.
During a press conference in Clairefontaine, Deschamps quipped, “He has changed his club team and needs to find his bearing with his club team-mates."
Pogba has played in all but one league game for United and he is slowly but surely seems to be finding his rhythm. He missed a string of gilt-edged chances in United's recent home game against Stoke City, and has come under severe criticism for supposedly not living up to the tag as the 'world's most expensive player'.
Any player can have a bad day in front of goal, much less a central midfielder like Pogba. Regardless of his wastefulness in front of goal, his stats in the game were quite impressive. According to Squawka Football, Paul Pogba's game by numbers vs Stoke:
This shows that he is slowly hitting his stride and Manchester United fans can be sure of him becoming a stalwart in midfield for the club in the future. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard were all wasteful in the game and like Mourinho said that Pogba only reflects the performance of the team.
Too much expectation
Expectations have risen through the roof just because of his massive price tag, which is deemed unfair by Deschamps.
"With Paul, we always expect more. When he does something neutral often it is not enough. He is someone we expect to make assists in every game – there is an expectation that is too large"
Mourinho has said that Pogba is a player who is mentally tough and is 'always looking to improve'. That Cristiano Ronaldo mentality of never resting on your laurels but pushing yourself to be better every time is the virtue that makes Pogba a truly great player. The pressure does not get to him apparently, says Deschamps.
"Paul is okay in his own head. He knows what he wants."
This is apparent with his tweet after the Stoke game.
The international break will cool all the rage and hopefully we shall see Pogba back to his best when United take on Liverpool. Deschamps now has Pogba back under his charge for France's World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and the Netherlands.
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