Paul Pogba has said that he doesn’t have to be ‘best friends’ with Jose Mourinho in order for his time at Manchester United to be a success.
The Frenchman has had his relationship with the United boss scrutinised after a number of sub-par performances this season.
The £89 million man started the season like a player who was finally about to justify his at one time world record transfer fee. However, a hamstring injury would keep Pogba out of action for a number of months, and upon his return, he just didn’t look like the same player.
His disappointing form saw him dropped to the bench for a number of games, with rumours speculating that the midfielder could be sold after an apparent rift with Jose Mourinho.
Speaking to French TV station Canal+ though, Pogba has said that it not important whether he is friends with his manager, only that he performs on the field:
“There were times where I wasn’t playing, I was on the bench. There was a lot of talk, people thought it wasn’t working out,” Pogba said.
“But a coach and a player don’t have to be best friends, we don’t have to go to restaurants together. I had a few little problems too… football is sometimes all about the mental side. He put me on the bench and I gave my response on the pitch. I always give everything I’ve got.”
Pogba also added that he enjoyed the responsibility of being made Captain on a number of occasions, something he hopes will stand him in good stead for his future:
“He made me progress in leadership. I had the armband with Mourinho, it was the first time in a club, it’s important for me, it makes me grow to be also a leader in the France team.”