Paul Pogba has opened up about his fallen-out relationship with Jose Mourinho.
In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Paul Pogba opened up about his tumultuous relationship with former Manchester United manager José Mourinho, describing it as akin to a “boyfriend and girlfriend” dynamic.
The French midfielder, who joined United for a record £89 million in 2016, detailed the ups and downs of their partnership, which ultimately turned sour during their time together.
Pogba recalled the initial excitement of reuniting with Mourinho, who played a pivotal role in persuading him to return to Old Trafford. “It started great,” Pogba said.
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“He was one of the reasons I went back to Manchester because I spoke to him and he convinced me to come back.” However, as their time together progressed, the relationship became fraught with tension and disagreements.
The midfielder admitted that the duo often found themselves in conflict, remarking, “Our relationship was like boyfriend and girlfriend, we were breaking up and making up all the time.”
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This pattern of discord escalated, leading to Mourinho publicly labelling Pogba a “virus” and ultimately stripping him of the vice-captaincy.
The culmination of their friction was evident when Pogba was benched for Mourinho's final game in charge, a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool in December 2018.
Despite their conflicts, Pogba insisted that he holds a significant amount of respect for Mourinho.
“There’s a lot of respect from me to him,” he stated. He expressed a desire to reconcile, adding, “If I see him tomorrow, it’s a big hug! But one day we will have to sit down together and discuss it.”
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Throughout his time at United, Pogba was openly critical of Mourinho's tactical approach, which often led to public disagreements.
After Mourinho's departure, Pogba posted a cryptic message on social media that hinted at his feelings towards their tumultuous tenure.
Now, as Pogba prepares for a return to football after a reduced ban, his reflections on his time with Mourinho serve as a reminder of the complexities of player-coach relationships in professional football.
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While their partnership faced significant challenges, Pogba's acknowledgment of respect and a desire for reconciliation illustrates the nuanced dynamics that can exist in such high-pressure environments.