Mourinho, Pogba in tense training ground exchange
LONDON: Jose Mourinho and Paul Pogba were involved in a tense-looking exchange at Manchester United’s training ground on Wednesday, a day after the manager confirmed the World Cup star had been stripped of the role of vice-captain.
Pogba was rested by Mourinho for the shock League Cup thirdround exit against Championship side Derby on Tuesday and watched from the stands as United lost on penalties after a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford.
After the match, Mourinho confirmed that Pogba was no longer a United vice-captain, although he denied falling out with the France midfielder.
THE RIFT
Sky Sports showed footage of Pogba joining training with his teammates on Wednesday morning, including a seemingly terse exchange between the pair.
The 25-year-old shook hands with coach Michael Carrick and another United employee before looking taken aback by something Mourinho said.
Pogba was then seen having an apparently exasperated discussion with the manager.
Mourinho was asked after the match on Tuesday whether he had told Pogba he would not captain the club again.
“The only truth is I made the decision of Paul not to be the second captain anymore,” said Mourinho.
ATLETICO WIN
MADRID: First-half goals from Antoine Griezmann, Thomas Partey and Koke helped Atletico Madrid secure a 3-0 home victory over Huesca in La Liga. Diego Simeone’s side recorded a third consecutive win in all competitions, with all three goals coming in an opening 35-minute blitz.
BAYERN HELD
BERLIN: Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich dropped points for the first time this season as Felix Goetze scored a late equaliser for Augsburg in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw. Bayern were cruising to a home win, which would have left them four points clear, before Goetze scored the equaliser.