Paul Pogba has said he has struggled to focus following France’s World Cup win — but has insisted he can still lead the club despite being dropped from vice-captaincy duties.
Pogba has reportedly fallen out with manager Jose Mourinho on various occasions this season, and that has coincided with a slow start to the season for United, who are eighth in the table, seven points off leaders Manchester City.
And the former Juventus midfielder, who has scored twice and provided two assists in eight top-flight outings, said he has found it harder to motivate himself, having won the biggest prize of all in Russia.
“It’s hard to concentrate, to start again, to hit hard, because we touched the stars,” the 25-year-old former world record signing told AFP. “For us, it was the best trophy you can win as a footballer.
“But we like challenges too, we have goals. For example, I’ve never won the Premier League, that’s an objective. I’d like to do that.”
Mourinho last month revealed Pogba would no longer be considered vice-captain of the club despite having already worn the captain’s armband three times this season in the absence of Antonio Valencia.
Prior to the World Cup, Pogba had stated his ambition of stepping up his role within the France squad, and he was credited by teammates with having given a number of inspirational dressing room speeches during Les Bleus’ summer triumph.
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