Following France’s 2-0 friendly loss to Finland, there were a lot of negative words said about Paul Pogba’s performance for his country.
The midfielder continued to struggle, unable to snap out from the poor form he’s displayed at Manchester United of late, and the local newspapers didn’t hold back.
With a slightly more important game against Portugal now looming, a big question is being asked in France as to whether or not he is needed by Didier Deschamps, who has always had his player’s back when asked about him by the media.
Friday was no different, with a press conference scheduled ahead of the fixture, where the manager was questioned about Pogba’s poor form.
He replied, relayed by RMC Sport: “He’s not at his best, obviously. I knew that before. That game was meant to get him some rhythm. He knew he’d only have 60 minutes. It’s hard to take positives. Obviously Paul isn’t in the best period.
“Like all players who don’t have a positive situation in their club, they’re impacted mentally as well. I know him well enough. It can happen at some point, to anyone. They know the high level, the pride of being able to turn up. I then have decisions to make when taking into account the other players too. He knows that”.
That sounds to us like Pogba could be dropped from the starting line up against Portugal, which isn’t what Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be wanting.
The Norwegian manager would have likely loved nothing more than seeing his star midfielder shine for his country, helping him regain the confidence and form to attack the upcoming club fixtures at Old Trafford.
Instead, he may have to pick him up from an even lower point than when he set off to team up with his national teammates.
