HIGHLIGHT
Paul Pogba is excited to face his brother Florentin when Manchester United play St Etienne in the Europa League round of 32 says Jose Mourinho.
Paul Pogba and Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho has said Paul Pogba is “excited” to face his brother Florentin when Manchester United play St Etienne in the Europa League round of 32.
Pogba, 23, will come up against his older sibling, a 26-year-old Guinea international defender, when United visit the Ligue 1 side on Thursday.
But Mourinho said it is their mother that has been placed in the toughest position as it is hard to watch her sons go head to head.
He said: “We spoke but we spoke in a good way, in a funny way. I think it is a good, nice destiny. I think only [Pogba’s mother] is in a little bit of trouble, which is normal.
“It is difficult for the lady to choose. It is not difficult, it is impossible. I know from Paul that his mum wants a draw but next week one son will be happy and another one will be sad.
“But I think only for their mum it is a little bit of a problem. For them I think they will enjoy to play against each other. Paul is excited and Florentin for sure the same.”
Meanwhile, Eric Bailly added that although it is nice for the Pogba family, United will not lose any focus against what he expects to be a tough opponent.
“We know it’s a special occasion for the Pogba family but it’s a very serious knockout stage game,” he said. “They’ve had a little bit of fun in training but we are focused on training.
“We’re aware of what a good season St Etienne are having, I’m able to see French football on TV, it’s going to be a tough game because they’ve got a really good group dynamic.”
