Just days into his new job as the mind of Paris Saint-Germain coach, Mauricio Pochettino’s mind is already in the Champions League display with Barcelona.
But he will not face rumors about Lionel Messi joining the French giants in the summer.
Pochettino, in the first press conference since being named PSG manager, would not have pulled on Messi but left the door open, as would any coach.
“There are a lot of rumors in big clubs like PSG. It’s time to leave the rumors for later,” he said. “But any great player in the world is always welcome in Paris Saint-Germain. ”
Instead Pochettino focused on his players such as Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, hoping squad injuries will be cleared before the PSG time to face five-time European champions Barca at full strength.
“It looks far away, but it’s next month. The most important thing is to build and reach our best to face Barcelona. [in the round of 16], “Pochettino said Tuesday at his first press conference.
“From the moment all the players are available, there will be a big competition [for places] eatorra. I think for sure we are going to reach our end to win, and go further. ”
Going further was not enough for his predecessor, Thomas Tuchel – who was sacked just four months after leading PSG to the first Champions League final. PSG lost to Bayern Munich in August.
Pochettino’s first priority is to get PSG back at the top of their usual league – with the defensive champions in third place after four losses. His first game is at Saint-Etienne on Wednesday, when Neymar is among at least eight PSG players injured.
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Julien Laurens could not hide his excitement as Mauricio Pochettino took his first PSG training session.
Tuchel had been under pressure after PSG lost two if they had their first three group games in the Champions League. He complained about his problems and, in a TV interview that covered his experiences, said that managing PSG was like being a politician and there was the level of scrutiny.
Pochettino was not asked about Tuchel, at a press conference in which he spoke in Spanish and English, by one of his loyal supporters who translated his long answers into French without taking notes. Twice, Pochettino praised his memory actions.
Pochettino may have some sympathy for Tuchel, having found himself on his sack despite leading Tottenham Hotspur to the first Champions League final in 2019 – losing to Liverpool . Not many expected Spurs to get that far, but Pochettino is expected to win big at PSG. The club has been under the control of Qatari QSI investors for nearly 10 years, and there are huge demands.
Tuchel was the third coach to be bagged in four years after Laurent Blanc and Unai Emery. Managing PSG is a different dynamic from Pochettino’s undergraduate roles at Southampton and Tottenham, where he was named as a cunning coach who made the best use of limited resources. He saved the Saints from relegation, before reviving the Spurs flame side by reaching the 2015 League Cup final, and finishing second in the Premier League two years later. When Spurs lost out on trophies, few blamed him for dealing with richer clubs. PSG does not have that safety net, but it does relieve the extra pressure.
“Paris Saint-Germain have an amazing squad and a lack of players,” he said. “I know what PSG represents and I know what the great players are. I truly believe that they can achieve in the best way, which is our expectation and our challenge. ”
When he goes out at the Parc des Princes for Saturday’s home game against Brest, Pochettino will be on a familiar turf. He played 95 games for PSG as a rough midfielder from 2001-03 – a fighting player who was hugely popular with fans.
“Santa’s been generous with me,” said Pochettino, smiling. “Returning to the club 18 years later is a dream come true. ”
The 48-year-old Argentine started coaching at Espanyol in 2009, but made a name for himself with Tottenham. Under his leadership, Harry Kane became a prolific striker with over 200 goals for the club. Now, Pochettino, the two most expensive players in the world are working with them in Neymar and Mbappe, who spent € 402 million ($ 494 million) on PSG.
Where Pochettino differs from Tuchel, however, is not just banking on the stars to guide others.
“There are different ways to assert your leadership,” he said.
Lack of unity on the pitch often determined how PSG fell on the biggest stage. With Neymar and Mbappe out of form in last season ‘s Champions League final, no other players showed up and Bayern became too comfortable 1-0. Three years ago, PSG made Champions League history by crumbling 6-1 in Barcelona after a 4-0 win in Paris. In his previous clubs, Pochettino only had to get the best out of everyone.
“The more leaders we have in the dressing room and in the pitch, the better it is for the club,” he said. ”
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.