"I don't know why that is," Deschamps told a press conference ahead of France's friendly internationals with Colombia and Russia. "I have not spoken to Paul yet, I'm sure I'll hear more about it. But of course it's a situation he won't be enjoying. "As to why or how things came to this, there may be many reasons." Deschamps played down any potential rift between the player and Mourinho. "I have a great deal of talks with players at our training camps, to gauge their feelings. It's not just Paul."Paul Pogba has been left out of the starting XI for Manchester United's last three games. https://t.co/JvG8WUADJ6 pic.twitter.com/7xjDQPku3N
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 20, 2018
Pogba has started just 24 matches for United this season, with manager Mourinho preferring Marouane Fellaini and youngster Scott McTominay in recent weeks. Deschamps' France, one of the favourites for the World Cup in Russia, face Colombia in Paris on Friday before travelling for a match in St Petersburg on March 27. Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele is back in the France squad after recent struggles with injury, having finally scored his first goal for the Catalan giants against Chelsea after signing last year from Borussia Dortmund for 105m euros.More than a hint of blue in Pogba's new hairstyle! ?? Calm down everyone, he's on France duty! ? #MUFC(? via https://t.co/Roidv7uDJx) pic.twitter.com/09v7gobtuz
— Goal (@goal) March 19, 2018
Deschamps said he has been encouraged by the 20-year-old's form since his return to Ernesto Valverde's side. "He has come back well, he's been able to play several matches over the last three weeks and he's better than he was a fortnight ago," said Deschamps. "He must still assert himself to be more decisive."Paul Pogba is unhappy at Manchester United and will be offered counselling on international duty, claims France boss Didier Deschampshttps://t.co/nL4IkNrFk2 pic.twitter.com/CsELYuUlMq
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) March 19, 2018