He came back different —  Mourinho blames World Cup for fractured relationship with Pogba

He came back different — Mourinho blames World Cup for fractured relationship with Pogba

Faruq Ibrahim 18:33 - 22.04.2024

Former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho believes winning the World Cup changes something in Paul Pogba.

Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has pointed to Paul Pogba's 2018 World Cup win with France as the turning point in their strained relationship at the club.

Mourinho's Explanation

In an interview with The Telegraph, Mourinho shed light on the deteriorating relationship between him and Pogba, stating, "The season after he won the 2018 World Cup, I think Paul (Pogba) came back different.” 

“The World Cup took him to a dimension where football was not the most important thing for him." Mourinho added, "It happens to almost everyone at certain times in your career: you lose a little sense of who you are and what you should be."

West Ham United v Manchester United ManU - Premier League - London Stadium Manchester United s Paul Pogba and Manchester United Manager Jose Mourinho during the Premier League match at the London Stadium
West Ham United v Manchester United ManU - Premier League - London Stadium Manchester United s Paul Pogba and Manchester United Manager Jose Mourinho during the Premier League match at the London Stadium

Strained Relationship

Pogba's arrival at Manchester United in 2016 was seen as a statement signing by Mourinho, but their relationship began to deteriorate over time. 

Despite winning three trophies together in their first season, cracks in their relationship began to show, and by December of the following year, Mourinho was sacked amid reports of a breakdown in their relationship. At the time, Pogba described the situation as "strange."

Related content