Paul Pogba needs affection if he's to put his recent run of poor performances for France behind him, says Les Bleus teammate Antoine Griezmann.
Pogba, who completed a world-record transfer to Manchester United earlier this summer, has struggled with club and country since the close of last season. The former Juventus star disappointed on home soil at the European Championship, and has struggled to find his footing thus far at Old Trafford.
France romped to a 4-1 defeat of Bulgaria in a World Cup qualifier at the Stade de France on Friday, however Pogba was again not at his best. And Griezmann reckons he knows what the towering midfielder needs to get back on track.
"Paul needs affection," the Atletico Madrid man told L'Equipe after the match. "He tries to do his best, give everything.
"He has a different game with [former club] Juve, Manchester and here."
Meanwhile, France coach Didier Deschamps was pleased with his side's recovery after coming from behind to beat the Bulgarians.
Kevin Gameiro struck twice while Dimitri Payet and Griezmann also got on the scoresheet as France replied to Mihail Alexandrov's early penalty to secure their first win of the qualifying campaign.
Deschamps told TF1: "We could pick fault with the penalty but they regained control of the match and went in at the break two goals ahead.
"In the second period we were not in trouble and created several more chances. We scored a goal and could have had two more."
Deschamps was particularly happy with the strike pairing of Atletico Madrid duo Gameiro and Griezmann, who were a handful throughout.
He said: "They were complementary and effective. I'm happy for them and for the team.
"The fact that they play together at club level means it is automatic."
Gameiro credited experience and maturity for his strong run of showings for his country.
"I'm 29 years old now, I'm more experienced, and I understand that there are times when one needs to perform. I did it tonight," Gameiro said.
"It's just natural," Gameiro said about the good understanding on the pitch he shares with Griezmann. "We are both small in size and love to play with the ball."
After being held by Belarus in their Group A opener, the result put France in good heart for Monday's game in Holland.
Deschamps said: "We will go to the Netherlands with the same goal - to look for a win."
Bulgaria coach Petar Houbtchev felt his team switched off after going ahead.
He said: "The biggest mistake was to believe that the match would be easy after the opening goal from the penalty spot.
"France played very well. I recognise the class of this team. The French are stronger than we are now."
France's Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna will be assessed after leaving the game in the first half with a hamstring injury.
Press Association contributed to this report.