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Jose Mourinho has reflected on his relationship with Paul Pogba after their turbulent spell at Manchester United.
The Portuguese tactician managed the Red Devils between 2016 and 2018 when Pogba was one of the biggest superstars of that United team. However, Mourinho had a frosty relationship with the Frenchman and the player was even expelled from training on one occasion.
Mourinho recently sat down for a chat with The Telegraph and expressed remorse at Pogba being suspended for the doping allegations against him. Mourinho also reflected on his relationship with Pogba, stating there's no ill will between the duo.
Mourinho, however, claimed that when Pogba came back after winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup, his main focus was no longer football. The Portuguese manager said (via The Telegraph):
"The only thing I say is that it happens with almost everybody in some moments of your career. You lose a little bit of the sense of who you are and what you have to be. The season after France won the World Cup, I think Paul came back different.
"The World Cup brought him into a different dimension where football was not the most important thing for him. Sharing the philosophy of everyone; everyone with the same level of responsibilities."
Mourinho went on to stress the importance of the manager having the backing of the club hierarchy and added:
"When you're supported by the power, the hierarchy, the message that passes through is very positive in the group. When you're not supported, because the player is more important or what the player represents is more important- then you're in a fragile situation. Even if you are a coach with so much experience as was my case."
Mourinho left Manchester United in the middle of the 2018-19 season after being in charge of the club for 144 matches.
How many games did Paul Pogba play under Jose Mourinho at Manchester United?
Paul Pogba played 108 games under Jose Mourinho at Manchester United. He scored 20 goals and provided 22 assists in that time. While the duo didn't have the best relationship, Pogba had some memorable moments as well.
Most notably, the French midfielder scored a brace to help his side launch a 3-2 comeback win against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium during the 2017-18 season.
Pogba won the UEFA Europa League under Mourinho's tutelage at Manchester United. It was one of the only three trophies that Jose Mourinho won with the Red Devils. The manager also won the League Cup and the FA Community Shield during his time at Old Trafford.
