Unlike Jose, Deschamps uses stick AND carrot

DIDIER DESCHAMPS is not a manager who worries a lot. He rarely loses sleep about approaching competitions or the form of key players. However, Jose Mourinho’s stormy relationship with Paul Pogba is making Deschamps’ nights a little more difficult. It is worrying Deschamps (right) — and France fans, too. For Les Bleus to have a great World Cup, they need a great Pogba and the cat and mouse game played by Mourinho with the player is not the ideal preparation. France head coach Deschamps is in regular contact with his central midfielder. He watched Bournemouth v Manchester United on TV and would have been reassured and satisfied. Nevertheless, as recent weeks have shown, there could be plenty more highs and lows until the end of the season. Last month, Deschamps and Pogba spoke at Clairefontaine — the French national team HQ — at the peak of the clash between Mourinho and the player. Pogba had been dropped to the bench and Deschamps said at the time: ‘His situation is complicated. We had a long discussion. I know how to deal with him. ‘I am here to encourage my players but also be truthful with them. I am here to put them in the best condition.’ Deschamps is everything Pogba likes about a manager. He can be tough but United’s No 6 has no issue with someone being tough on him. Deschamps dropped Pogba at the last World Cup against Switzerland and at the last Euros against Albania. Each time, Pogba responded by raising his game. Antonio Conte and Massimiliano Allegri also used the carrot-and-stick with Pogba at Juventus. Mourinho is different. He has only been using the stick. At 25, Pogba does not need cuddles, but even a strong character needs to feel appreciated. It is not a surprise that he came back from the March international break with a new lease of life. He always feels revitalised after 10 days with Les Bleus. His best mates are there, especially Antoine Griezmann, who is like a brother. Pogba is a bit more indulged by France and he is well looked after, too. More importantly, he took Deschamps’ advice: ‘Don’t clash with Mourinho. Focus on you and your football so you can deliver what he wants.’ Since coming back to Manchester, the ‘Pickaxe’, as Patrice Evra nicknamed Pogba, has been the star man in two of United’s four games (Manchester City and Bournemouth) and put in a good performance against Swansea. Deschamps, and France, hope Pogba will come out stronger from arguably the toughest season of his career. Just in time to shine at the World Cup.