Krishnan Sreekumar
Manchester United target Mauricio Pochettino remains coy when asked about his future as Paris Saint-Germain manager
Speaking to Foot Mercato (h/t Daily Mail), Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino remained coy when quizzed about his future at the club, amidst interest from Manchester United ahead of the new season.
The Red Devils have identified him as a potential candidate to become the next permanent boss at Old Trafford, and given the prior experience he has in the Premier League through managing Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur, he turns out to be a strong option to be offered the job.
Amidst such interest, the Argentine has refused to commit his future with his current side, saying that he was not discussing it with the club hierarchy at the moment and ignored the leading question altogether.
“If it is possible to stay at PSG next season? For the moment, I am not discussing my future with the leaders of the club.”
This apparent interest from United combined with Pochettino’s unwillingness to dismiss it, has irritated PSG’s already disgruntled support, who booed their manager last night at the Parc des Princes ahead of the Ligue 1 clash against Lorient.
“What will happen will happen”
The 50-year-old has had a hard time winning over the home support in France, having been heavily criticised after the French giants were knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid following a second-half collapse in Spain.
Pochettino said that he had one year left on his contract and it was important to analyse before making a decision, leaving his future up in the air by admitting that what will happen will happen and that he would respect the decision taken by the club.
“I have one year left on my contract, but it is important to analyse before making a decision and afterwards of course, we will also respect the decision taken by the club for the future. What will happen will happen.”
Despite the boos, whistles, and jeers aimed at him yesterday from the fans, Pochettino would go on to oversee a resounding 5-1 victory over his opponents as his impressive front three of Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr., and Kylian Mbappe all got on the scoresheet.
The result puts PSG one step closer to winning the Ligue 1 title, in what will be the Argentine boss’ first league trophy in his managerial career. In France, he also led the side to the Coupe de France and Trophees des Champions honours since he took over last year.
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Despite the impending league title coming his way, he has still not won over the home fans who have been craving a UCL trophy. Despite taking a 2-0 aggregate lead over Real in the Round of 16 tie, Pochettino’s men would see a Karim Benzema hat-trick knock them out of the competition. He could try again next season, but the million-dollar question of whether he will still be in charge of the French side arises once again.
Although there is nothing concrete to suggest that he will be appointed the next United manager, his apparent unwillingness to commit to PSG this season has seen him bear the brunt of the supporters’ unhappiness. United fans, however, may be happy to hear about this development as Pochettino’s availability to become the next permanent manager would prove to be an upgrade on our current situation.
