Paul Pogba has described his time away with the French national team as a “breath of fresh air” after a “difficult” season with Man Utd.
Pogba has come under intense criticism for his performances at the start of this season and is now far from a guaranteed starter at Man Utd under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The midfielder has started both of France’s matches during the international break and Pogba admits it has been a welcome break from the pressure at club level.
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“I had never known such a difficult period in my career,” Pogba told RTL France on Sunday. “The French national team is a breath of fresh air. We are very happy to come here and all very happy to see each other again.
“It is not the same as with the club. We all group together, it is magical. We realise that everyone is happy to come and that makes a difference.”
Pogba was taken off early in France’s 2-0 loss against Finland last week and Deschamps thinks his “club situation” is impacting his performances for his country.
“He’s not in his best form, of course. I knew that before the game,” Deschamps said on Friday. “This match was meant to give him some rhythm. He knew that he would only play for an hour.
“It’s hard to remember to be positive. Obviously, he’s not in one of his better periods. Like all players who have a club situation that is not positive, they are also impacted mentally. I know him well enough and it can happen at some points.”
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