‘The obsession is the Champions League’
Mauricio Pochettino believes that Paris Saint-Germain’s “obsession” to win the Champions League has stunted the club’s progression at times.
Pochettino was sacked by PSG this summer, despite leading them to a Ligue 1 title last season, after a disappointing showing in the Champions League, which saw them knocked out by Real Madrid in the last 16.
In his first interview since his departure, the ex-Tottenham boss spoke of the club’s desire to win Europe’s most coveted prize and how that mindset is damaging them.
“Everything is focused on the Champions League,” Pochettino said. “Sometimes that distracts a bit and that requirement seems to only exist in the Champions League preview and in other competitions it seems like PSG’s superiority.
“The obsession is the Champions League and everything that is not winning the Champions League is synonymous with failure.”
Kylian Mbappé played no role in Pochettino departure
When asked if striker Kylian Mbappé had anything to do with his departure from the club, the Argentine instantly dismissed the suggestion, saying any decision would have been made by the club’s hierarchy.
“He is one of the best players in world football today and I think that PSG, having all the resources to do it, have convinced him to stay,” Pochettino added. “But I don’t think Kylian is the one who designed the new project either [that saw me leave].
‘Those who rule, in this case the president, are those who would have thought that the most convenient thing was a new project in the club.”
Christophe Galtier has since taking over from the 50-year-old after he left his role at Nice. Just two years before that, Galtier guided Lille to the Ligue 1 title ahead of PSG and Pochettino with a shoestring budget in comparison to the war chest on offer at the French giants.
Related links:
- Mauricio Pochettino sacked by Paris Saint-Germain
- PSG star Neymar produces ‘shameless dive’ against Gamba Osaka in pre-season match
- PSG accused of ‘institutional bullying’ after ostracising unwanted players
