Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny claims expectations surrounding Paul Pogba are unrealistic

Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny thinks the expectations surrounding Paul Pogba are unhelpful to the midfielder. The 23-year-old joined Manchester United from Juventus over the summer in a world-record deal reported to be worth £89m ($113.1m), but Pogba has subsequently failed to match fans' expectation.

Koscielny, who plays alongside Pogba for France's national side, said United fans' hopes are unrealistic.

"Because of his transfer and his status, we demand a lot from Paul Pogba," he said of the United star, according to according to the Manchester Evening News. "We've got to leave him in peace so he can progress."

Koscielny's remarks come shortly after France manager Didier Deschamps said fans and pundits need to show patience with United's big-money summer signing. "He has changed his club team and needs to find his bearing with his new team-mates," Deschamps said of Pogba, as quoted in the Manchester Evening News.

"With Paul, we always expect more. When he does something neutral, often it is not enough. He is someone we expect to make assists in every game – there is an expectation that is too large."

Pogba is currently preparing for France's next two World Cup qualifying matches, against Bulgaria in Paris on Friday (7 October) and against Holland in Amsterdam on Monday. Upon returning from international duty, United and Pogba face a key month in their season, which includes away fixtures against Liverpool and Chelsea.