Keep thoughts private, Saha advises Pogba
Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha criticised French midfielder Paul Pogba on Tuesday for speaking out and undermining manager Jose Mourinho with his recent “attack, attack, attack” comments.
Following United’s 1-1 home draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League last month, Pogba said United should be more attacking at Old Trafford.
Compatriot Saha, who played for the club between 2004/08, said the 25-year-old should keep his thoughts private.
“I think he [Pogba] has done it on purpose, and I don’t think that is right,” Saha, 40, said.
“It’s the wrong communication, it puts pressure on the manager.
“With those talks you should do it in the dressing room with your manager.”
Asked if Pogba should do his talking on the pitch, Saha replied: “Exactly. You should be like ‘I should score, score, score. I should pass, pass, pass’.”
Following Pogba’s critique, media reports circulated that Mourinho was on borrowed time as United coach, especially after also being dumped out the League Cup by second-tier Derby County.
However, talk that he might be gone as early as last weekend were allayed after a late 3-2 comeback win over Newcastle United at home in the league.
Saha said that Saturday’s performance, the club’s first win in five matches in all competitions, showed that Mourinho was still the right man to lead the team.
The Frenchman, who scored 42 goals across five seasons at United, also urged more understanding from supporters and player-turned-pundit Gary Neville, who has been critical of his former side since the beginning of the season.
“Yes [Mourinho can turn it around],” Saha said.
“He’s a clever man, there is definitely support within the club,” Saha, who won two league titles at United, said.
“There is definitely support from the players, they showed that at the weekend.
“They showed desire to come back in a difficult game. They showed quality.”