France duty lightens load for Pogba
MANCHESTER UNITED STAR HAS BEEN FEELING THE PRESSURE SINCE WORLD CUP GLORY
Far away seem the days when Paul Pogba was praised for the mature displays that helped France win the World Cup.
For the Manchester United midfielder, the euphoria that engulfed French players following their title lasted only a few weeks as he fell out with coach Jose Mourinho on his return to Old Trafford.
Pogba’s relationship with Mourinho has been complicated since his return to United in 2016. But it reached its nadir last month when Pogba was stripped of the vice-captaincy at the club and then appeared to have a spat with Mourinho at training.
Following a poor start to the season, United are under pressure and Pogba’s future there seems uncertain amid reports he could leave.
Such concerns are irrelevant when Pogba plays with his national team, and the international break is likely to provide solace to a player regarded as indispensable by France coach Didier Deschamps.
Pogba joined his teammates at France’s training ground ahead of Thursday’s friendly game against Iceland. France, who beat Croatia in the World Cup final in July, host Germany in the Uefa Nations League on October 16 at Stade de France.
“I don’t want to interfere with the relationship that he, or any other player, could have with his coach,” Deschamps said. “But given the situation of some [players] in their clubs, the breath of fresh air brought by the France team can do them good.”
Often criticised for his laidback approach, Pogba took more responsibilities in France during the World Cup and is now regarded as a proper team leader.
Pogba is crediting Deschamps, who uses him on the pitch in a less restricted role than Mourinho, for his positive influence.
“I have a very good relationship with the coach, he speaks straight to me,” Pogba said.
Elsewhwere, the last time Croatia played England was in the packed Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow in a World Cup semi-final match.
When they meet in the Croatian coastal city of Rijeka on Friday, there will be no fans.
Croatia is completing a stadium ban imposed by Uefa in 2015 when a swastika was painted on their field ahead of a game.
‘Not out for revenge’
However, England will not be out for revenge that defeat in Russia, defender Kieran Trippier has said.
“No, it’s not revenge. Croatia were good on the day against us in the World Cup semi-final but it’s another game,” Trippier told Sky Sports. “We want to go there get the win, get the points we need and then look forward to Spain.”
Italy are in desperate need of a victory at Poland on Sunday to avoid more embarrassment after failing to qualify for the last World Cup.
The Azzurri already sit last in their Nations League group with only one point and one goal scored from their opening two matches — a 1-1 draw with Poland and a 1-0 loss to Portugal.
Napoli’s Lorenzo Insigne is being tapped for a false No 9 role amid a series of problems for the usual centre forwards.
Mario Balotelli and Andrea Belotti have been dropped due to poor form while Ciro Immobile and Simone Zaza have struggled with the national team.