France coach, Didier Deschamps has said that Manchester United midfielder, Paul Pogba’s strained relationship with the media was due to the “unfair criticism” he received in the past.
Pogba played an important role in France’ lifting of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia this year.
The 25-year-old has, however, been criticised by the media for not consistently exerting his influence at United amid talk of a rift with manager, Jose Mourinho last season.
Deschamps however said the misunderstood Pogba had learnt to cope with criticisms.
“I have spoken to him about his relationship with the media and I think he is been unfairly criticised in the past,” Deschamps was quoted by BBC Sport as saying at a press conference in London on Monday.
“That is why there has been this aggressive vibe and he had this strained relationship.
“But criticism is part of the job and I think you learn to take that on board as you get more experienced.
“That is what happened with him and I think he has gained some respect.”
Deschamps said the outside world had an incorrect perception of the 25-year-old.
“The rest of the world, and certainly in France, has an image of Pogba that doesn’t really reflect who he is.
“There’s this idea that he’s a bit individualistic, that’s not the case,” the former France international, Deschamps added.
“He joined us ready to become a world champion and he took the whole squad with him.”
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