By our reporter 22.4.2026
French World Cup winner Paul Pogba has revealed that during his time at Manchester United, he never had problems with coach Jose Mourinho.
But Mourinho’s attitude towards him changed because of negative reports in the press. Pogba stated that the Portuguese tactician who is currently at Benfica after going round Europe is a funny and lively man to be with.
Pogba was Mourinho’s star player at Manchester United and he expected the midfielder to deliver on the pitch, things were good in the first season; they won the League Cup and the Europa League trophy in 2016, but their relationship took a different turn as Pogba began to lose form.
“I don’t have any problem with any coaches, you know,” Pogba said during a chat on Rio Ferdinand’s podcast.
“I always respect, always respect. They tell me what to do. They are the boss. That’s the truth. They are the boss. They decide if you play or not.
“And we were very cool at the start, very cool, sending messages and stuff like that. He’s a really funny man. He’s a funny guy. He’s really special, to be honest.”
Pogba believes the constant narrative surrounding him in the press played a major role in Mourinho’s changing attitude.
“And after a time, I think the injuries created that.
“And, you know, when always the media ask him questions about me, maybe makes him a bit like, okay, is he done? And this is the problem also with me, like a lot of people they love to ask about me. Always Paul, Paul, Paul. And that probably pissed him off.”
Mourinho and Pogba... memories of another football day. Sky Sport photo.