The performances of French midfielder Paul Pogba are put under the microscope week in and week out. His national manager Didier Deschamps recently stated that the young midfielder needs more time to settle.
Paul Pogba became the world’s most expensive player after Manchester United paid Juventus a reported €110 million for his services this summer to bring him back to Old Trafford. France national team manager Didier Deschamps recently spoke about the pressure that Pogba is under, insisting that the 23-year-old needs more time to settle into his new team.
“He has changed his club team and needs to find his bearing with his new team-mates,” Deschamps said, according to Sky Sports.
“With Paul, we always expect more. When he does something neutral, often it is not enough. He is someone we expect to make assists in every game – there is an expectation that is too large. Paul is okay in his own head. He knows what he wants.”
Paul Pogba has just scored one goal in six appearances for Manchester United. He was initially played alongside Belgian Marouane Fellaini in central midfield, a decision that prompted much criticism, especially after United lost the Manchester derby.
Manager Jose Mourinho has rectified this matter of late though, with Spaniard Ander Herrera providing a much better foil to the playing style of the 23-year-old Frenchman. Pogba has since looked a lot more dangerous, as evidenced by United’s last few games.
The burden of expectation comes from the huge price tag and it is bound to effect the player’s mentality. Man United legend Paul Scholes brought this to the fore when he stated that Pogba was trying too hard to be Messi instead of playing his natural game.
The world’s most expensive player certainly has the backing of both his national and club manager. He will be hoping that he can repay their support by fulfilling his potential on the pitch after this summer’s historic transfer from Juventus.