It’s a measure of Paul Pogba’s status as one of the gamesg biggest players that even when the Frenchman isn’t turning out for Manchester United, he still manages to dominates headlines. The United midfielder, who played a key role in his country’s 2-1 win over Australia on Saturday as Didier Deschamps’ side began the World Cup with a win, continues to attract a high level of scrutiny for his performances.
Plenty have leapt to his defence, unsurprisingly including his agent Mino Raiola. The Dutchman, in quotes given to RMC Sport carried by The Mirror said: “I think France does not like heroes. There is a lot of envy, jealousy. These players really represent the country, their team, in a perfect way. I do not see why we have to criticise them.”
“For Paul in particular, because everyone wants to criticise him. He is a boy who always stays positive, who works hard. He has nothing to prove.
He must do his best, help his team. He has to do what the coach wants. On the field, but also off it, because he’s a perfect ambassador.”
In fairness, this is the sort of talk that you’d expect an agent to provide when his biggest client is under fire, but especially after Pogba’s disappointing second campaign at United, any public backing for Pogba is useful. Whilst the player himself has given no indication that he is unhappy at Old Trafford, the former Juventus midfielder is clearly struggling to find his best form amidst a frosty relationship with Jose Mourinho.
As such, it’s important for the player to have a good World Cup in Russia in order to remind his club manager of the skill and quality that he possesses. Mourinho seemed to lose faith in Pogba during last season, so perhaps this summer could act as a reminder.
