France boss Didier Deschamps believes Paul Pogba's spell with the national team in November was key to the Manchester United midfielder's revival this season.
United star Pogba is currently out with a thigh injury, but enjoyed a solid run of form throughout December and January for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side — netting winning goals in away games at Fulham and Burnley.
That came after Pogba appeared to be out of favour, with his agent Mino Raiola claiming he wanted to leave — on the eve of a vital United Champions League game against RB Leipzig.
Deschamps also threw fuel on that fire, questioning Pogba's role at Old Trafford and whether the player was happy.
The France boss now admitted Pogba has come through the other side. But he said it was the spell away with his country that prompted the improvement in form, believing Antoine Griezmann can do the same in the coming international break.
“In November, Paul [Pogba] was going through an even more difficult period with Manchester United,” Deschamps told beIN Sports.
“Being with us [the France national team] gave him a boost and he had a great game against Portugal. Antoine's case is the same, it's a matter of trust.
“They know that in the France team they are in a different environment. All the players can go through a bad period at their club, but I maintain the confidence I have in them.
"The players must bear in mind that there is competition. If at some point I think that a young man has less experience but can bring something more to the team, I will not hesitate to count on him.”
Pogba is still widely expected to depart United this summer, when his contract will have just 12 months to run until expiry. Real Madrid, Juventus and PSG have been touted as possible destinations for the World Cup winner.
