"Simply impossible to discuss this now" - Pochettino provides blunt response when asked about Kylian Mbappe's PSG future
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) manager Mauricio Pochettino was in no mood to discuss the future of star forward Kylian Mbappe after their defeat to Real Madrid.
PSG surrendered a 1-0 lead in the second-leg of their last 16 UEFA Champions League tie against Los Blancos at the Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema scored a late hat-trick to sink the Parisians 3-2 on aggregate. Mbappe scored both goals for PSG, one in each leg.
The young French forward's future is now up in the air in Paris after yet another humiliating loss in Europe. Manager Pochettino's position as manager is not safe either as per a report from talkSPORT, with PSG setting lofty standards for their season targets.
Real Madrid have made Mbappe their number one target this summer. They have been tracking the player since last summer and submitted gigantic bids of €170 million and €200 million which PSG turned down.
Manchester United have reportedly made Pochettino one of their top targets for the managerial job at Old Trafford when the season ends.
Pochettino was asked to comment on his future at the club alongside Mbappe's contract situation. But the Paris boss was hesitant to get into things following the demoralizing defeat.
He told RMC Sport (via Fabrizio Romano):
"It's simply impossible to discuss about it now, it's not the right moment. We're really disappointed tonight."
Pochettino was appointed PSG's manager in January 2021 and managed to win the Coupe de France trophy in his first season. However, PSG lost the league title to Lille by one point. They crashed out of the Champions League in the semifinals as well last term.
Although they look set to win the Ligue 1 title under the Argentine this season, the brand of football on display has been largely underwhelming. He has also not been able to get the best out of his superstar compatriot, Lionel Messi.
#PSG #UCLMauricio Pochettino when asked about his future and Kylian Mbappé contract: "It's simply impossible to discuss about it now, it's not the right moment. We're really disappointed tonight", he told RMC Sport. 🇫🇷 #PSG #UCL
Could Mauricio Pochettino depart PSG with Kylian Mbappe?
PSG's Qatari owners have long desired UEFA Champions League success ever since buying the club back in 2011.
Pochettino's failure to deliver the long-awaited trophy throws his future at the club into doubt, even with Manchester United interested in his services.
A dysfunctional team with too many players who put themselves first and crumble when the pressure is on. No-one can say that Pochettino hasn’t had the perfect preparation to manage Man Utd
The Parisians have been touted with a move for serial Champions League winner Zinedine Zidane. The former Real Madrid boss won three Champions League titles during his time in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Ligue 1 outfit's exit from Europe could see them dismiss Pochettino, who is already under pressure since the departure from the Coupe de France.
However, PSG's director of football Leonardo came to Pochettino's rescue. He was quick to dispell rumors that Wednesday's defeat could lead to the Argentine departing.
Lenardo told RMC Sport (via Fabrizio Romano):
“We should stay together. Pochettino is still part of the project for this season. It’s not the time to think about that. We shouldn’t throw everything in the bin. We shouldn’t start from scratch after every loss."
PSG director Leonardo to RMC: “We should stay together. Pochettino is still part of the project for this season. It’s not the time to think about that”. 🇫🇷 #PSG
“We shouldn’t throw everything in the bin. We shouldn’t start from scratch after every loss”, @gffn reports. https://t.co/QX9o0MzUpu
It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Pochettino and his French forward at the Parc des Princes.