Gossip: Mourinho calls Pogba 'a virus', Ozil wanted by Inter Milan
Most of us have been on the end of harsh words from our boss at one point or another, but it appears Paul Pogba’s attitude has sparked Jose Mourinho into reaching for some especially vituperative admonishments.
Pogba put in a wretched display against Southampton on Saturday evening, losing possession throughout and being one of the reasons that once the side were back level, they could not find a way through for a third.
After the match, there were reports yesterday that Pogba and Mourinho had been involved in a bust-up in front of the rest of the players, and now the Daily Record details just what the United manager is supposed to have said.
He is reported to have called the French midfielder ‘a virus’, and said: “You don’t play. You don’t respect players and supporters. And you kill the mentality of the good honest people around you.”
With half a season still to come, and Ed Woodward currently sticking to his plan on keeping both Mourinho and Pogba for at least the rest of the season, it is hard to see how this ends well for manager, player and fans.
READ MORE: Apologetic Pickford: Merseyside derby clanger won’t affect me
READ MORE: Fan arrested after throwing banana on pitch after Aubameyang goal
READ MORE: Guendouzi celebrates in car with jubilant fans
Ozil to consider Inter Milan move
Another underwhelming playmaker who could be on the move is Mesut Ozil. Ozil signed a new deal worth around £350,000 a week about a year ago, but despite that new manager Unai Emery has left Ozil out of the starting eleven for tough away matches. He also missed the North London derby against Spurs yesterday, with a back spasm claimed to be responsible.
As a result of his lack of game time, Ozil is ready to consider his future at the end of the season. The Sun reports that Inter Milan are one of the few sides who could afford his wages. For their part, Arsenal may decide to cut their losses on the German playmaker and use his wages elsewhere in the squad. It would leave them short of two midfielders in the squad should Aaron Ramsey complete his likely exit on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Chelsea consider Abraham recall
Aston Villa are concerned that they may lose on-loan striker Tammy Abraham at the end of the season. Abraham can be recalled by his parent club Chelsea in the January transfer window, and reports have suggested that they are considering a move.
While Olivier Giroud has occasionally been preferred to Alvaro Morata in attack, Chelsea are concerned over Morata’s confidence level and are unsure if he is a long-term option at Stamford Bridge.
Abraham has 11 goals in 14 appearances for Villa, and the Birmingham Mail reports that they are in touch with Chelsea to ascertain if he will be staying with the club for the rest of the season as they chase promotion to the Premier League.
