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Hugo Lloris warns Paul Pogba over France duties after miserable Man Utd season
PAUL POGBA has received the same “take more responsibility” message from France as he does from Manchester United.
After Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho and midfield partner Nemanja Matic urged Pogba to become more of a leader on the pitch, his international team-mate Hugo Lloris has issued a similar challenge ahead of the World Cup in Russia, where France will start as one of the favourites.
Pogba, dropped on occasions by Mourinho last season, has been criticised for failing to make a sustained impact in some games as well as for appearing to have more focus on his hairstyles, goal celebrations and social media interests.
But Tottenham goalkeeper Lloris says Pogba, now 25, is no longer a young player with potential but a mature professional who must start to use the vast experience he has gained after four seasons with Juventus, two at Old Trafford and 52 caps for France.
It is important that he focuses on his individual performance. This is the best way, to lead by example
“Paul is no longer a young player,” said Lloris. “He has collected experience with his club and with the national team.
“He has a lot of talent and that label has stuck with him since the beginning.
“He has had a very good season, although people still debate it. As a football player and as a football fan, I think he had a very good season.
“He has this desire to shine with the French national team. Will he be the ‘boss’? That’s a strong word but a ‘leader’ is what is expected of him on and off the field.
“He is reaching maturity and he wants to do well. But it’s also important that he focuses on his individual performance. This is the best way, to lead by example.”
Pogba, who scored six goals and created 12 assists in 37 appearances for United last season, is one of the key players in a France squad looking to go one better in Russia than their runners-up spot at Euro 2016.