Paul Pogba claimed he once had a strong relationship with Jose Mourinho, until a change in attitude from the former Manchester United boss.
Paul Pogba cannot explain why his relationship with Jose Mourinho turned sour at Manchester United, but claims to have a much different bond with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Pogba was United's marquee signing for 2016-17 – Mourinho's first season in charge at the club – and helped the Red Devils to a Europa League title that campaign.
Yet Mourinho's second term failed to live up to expectations and, after a difficult start to the 2018-19 season, the former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager was dismissed, with Solskjaer replacing him, initially on an interim basis before taking up the role full time.
Mourinho spell turned stale
Mourinho's relationship with members of United's squad was said to have deteriorated, with an apparent training ground argument with Pogba coming after the France star was stripped of a vice-captaincy role in September 2018.
Though Mourinho has since left United, Pogba's future remains unclear. His agent, Mino Raiola, has made several claims that the 28-year-old wishes to leave the club, and the midfielder's contract is up at the end of next season.
For Pogba's part, he revealed he enjoys his relationship with Solskjaer, while still being none the wiser as to why he and Mourinho failed to get along, though hinted he does not believe the Portuguese's man-management style is correct.
"What I have now with Ole is different, he wouldn't go against the players," Pogba told Sky Sports. "He wouldn't go against the players.
"Maybe Ole wouldn't pick them, but it's not like he puts them on the side like they don't exist anymore. That's the difference between Mourinho and Ole.
"Once I had a great relationship with Mourinho, everybody saw that, and the next day you don't know what happened. That's the strange thing I had with Mourinho and I cannot explain to you because even I don't know."
Pogba's numbers – then and now
While Pogba's relationship with Mourinho ultimately failed to last, he did make more appearances (108) and starts (100) than any other United midfielder between August 2016 and December 2018.
Indeed, Pogba's goal tally from that time span is 20, joint-most among United midfielders, alongside Jesse Lingard, while the former Juventus man also registered 22 assists in all competitions.
No United midfielder created more chances than Pogba (168) under Mourinho, while he also led the charts for minutes played (8,825).
In comparison, Pogba has played 6,240 minutes in all competitions under Solskjaer, ranking second for midfielders behind Fred (7,595) while he has made the third-most appearances (83) and starts (67).
Pogba vs Bruno
Pogba's 17 goals in that time pale in comparison to Bruno Fernandes' 36, with his 15 assists seven fewer than the ex-Sporting CP playmaker's tally of 22.
An impressive tackle success rate of 62.18 per cent from 119 challenges does show a different side of Pogba's game, perhaps proving the more defensive role which has been asked of him during Solskjaer's stint.
hapnouy
0
Pogba came asking for a ride home in his porch car even after they lost a game. That Mourinho never like.
Tulox
0
Mourinho is a fool, he usually have problems with players just look at the situation at Tottenham where by he don't play Ali, I think he supposed not to be coach, he don't a good relationship with players that's why at every team he is going you will just hear players that want to leave the club
I am talking about the problem he usually have with players, I'm not talking about the trophies bro, learn how to read and understand before you comment
yoybceinsz
0
overated n arrogant player. humble ur self n play the game
CookiesCream
0
Mourinho is a fool, he usually have problems with players just look at the situation at Tottenham where by he don't play Ali, I think he supposed not to be coach, he don't a good relationship with players that's why at every team he is going you will just hear players that want to leave the club
i thought u happy when manchester won EL with jose before
Nukaeimnsu
1
The problem is not Pogba.. Mourinho is the real problem mate.. He doesn't like to take any responsibility for a loose, but he loves taking credit for the team success.😂
Why do u people hate Mou just for nothing? The best centenary coach. It's better you get drawn cos Mou is still the best.
lbcrna
1
pogba was the problem the manager says just play a simple pass pogba want to turn and turn with the ball make one o two dribbles which cost us some matches Jose wasn't happy.
Ziuiklory
0
Pogba searching for reasons to Mourinhos attitude
Tulox
1
Mourinho is a fool, he usually have problems with players just look at the situation at Tottenham where by he don't play Ali, I think he supposed not to be coach, he don't a good relationship with players that's why at every team he is going you will just hear players that want to leave the club
puru_22
1
Mourinho might have complained about Paul's haircut so it's difficult to explain why he didn't like that😂😂
lunemoru
1
Don’t forget Mourinho brought you back into champions league competition after lifting the Europa league
zisaeimst
4
there isnt an article on jose mourinho that wont draw a host of ugly n negative comments. are u guys finished with it?
IsraelDaniel
0
I meant best player in any team he has coaches for the past ten years.
IsraelDaniel
2
The best way I can describe for the past 10 years is he actually targeted the man in any team he coaches to finish his career together with that football icon just as his career comes to an end. You can check it by yourself.
pidcdikmr
1
Mourinho will end up destroying Tottenham just as he almost destroyed united....They better react fast and fire that guy...he lost his mojo at Chelsea
cezabeosyz
1
is this page having something personal against Jose. don't waste our data with useless posts
Tudbdikmpt
0
No player in this world can do this pep ,because will distract you and destroy your careers and that’s why pep always successful in Team he choose. Jose need that power because at Intel he was powerful
RichardCfC
0
The problem is not Pogba.. Mourinho is the real problem mate.. He doesn't like to take any responsibility for a loose, but he loves taking credit for the team success.😂
That is correct to a certain extent but pogba hasn't played well in his whole career until now. He worked with many managers and failed, it's his and mourinho's fault
Kewbdeklns
0
Pogba also changed his attitude to. The manager is supposed to be bigger than the player since he what controls the team. As a player Pogba should know his place.
The problem is not Pogba.. Mourinho is the real problem mate.. He doesn't like to take any responsibility for a loose, but he loves taking credit for the team success.😂
ManUtdAmadDialo
5
POGBA praying to Allah be like: Oh Lord, don't let this man to make my comments an escape goat after losing to Everton tonight
maxm70
3
Pogba also changed his attitude to. The manager is supposed to be bigger than the player since he what controls the team. As a player Pogba should know his place.
Jacubi
0
The secret of POGBA-MOURINHO riots is that both of them are ARROGANT !
👌
yeyeknopu
2
we don't want your explanation you were wrong those days
lented
2
You fucked him and I was happy...Mourinho is too arrogant
BLACOLOGY342
4
The secret of POGBA-MOURINHO riots is that both of them are ARROGANT !
Nab10Messi
0
black and white 😬
Royford
0
I just remembered that we still have Phil Jones in our books😅😅😅