Glenn Fernandes
Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino gives his verdict on the Manchester United job
In the pre-match conference ahead of their fixture against Manchester City (h/t Football.London), Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino asserted that he is really happy in Paris despite being touted as a contender to take over at Manchester United.
The Argentine manager played a huge role in developing Tottenham Hotspur during his time at the North London club. Even though he could not win any silverware with the Lilywhites, Pochettino guided them to the finals of the UEFA Champions League and the League Cup during his time at the helm.
The former Southampton manager was then sacked from Spurs after a bad season following the spectacular run in the CL in 2019. His experience to rebuild a team and ability to ingrain a brand of exciting football could make him a suitable target for the role at Old Trafford. The 49-year-old manager has now reiterated the fact that he is happy in Paris and his current focus is only with the Ligue 1 club.
Pochettino spoke about the rumours that are surrounding him and also highlighted that he is currently looking to give his best at PSG. To be fair, it may be too much to expect the Argentine to speak openly given that he is under employment elsewhere.
“I am focused on football, I am not a kid, not a child. I’ve spent my whole life playing football We’re in a business where the rumours are there. I completely understand what happens, in a negative or a positive way. Rumours are there. We have to live with that. We are focused. We are giving 100% to give our best for the club. I said to you all, my contract is until 2023. It’s for one season more. I don’t say anything different. I am very happy at Paris Saint-Germain. It’s a fact. I am happy in Paris.”
The Manchester-based club have struggled to reach their former glory ever since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down from the managerial position. The club has seen many people come and go but none of them has had the same kind of impact at Old Trafford as the legendary Scot.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer showed some promise in the early stages of his career as a manager but the Red Devils’ inability to consistently perform under the Norwegian proved detrimental. They struggled to open up defences in recent weeks and the embarrassing defeat to Watford proved to be the final nail in his coffin.
Man United have a suitable repository of world-class players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Jadon Sancho. While the former Borussia Dortmund player scored his first goal for Manchester United against Villarreal CF in the Champions League he is yet to make a substantial impact in the Red side of Manchester.
Pochettino’s current tenure has allowed him to manage some world-class players like Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe. This experience with elite attackers will help him suitably navigate the likes of Ronaldo and co. The former Espanyol manager may not necessarily be afforded the kind of time he was given with Spurs during his previous spell.
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His lack of silverware could also be another stumbling block. Pochettino’s last season with the North London club in the Premier League was a disappointing affair and largely outdid all the promises he showcased the seasons prior.
Michael Carrick enjoyed a 0-2 victory against Villarreal in their latest UEFA Champions League encounter. He will face a much sterner test this weekend against Premier League leaders Chelsea.
