Paris Saint-Germain manager, Mauricio Pochettino, has finally opened up about the pressure he feels managing the superstar in the Paris-based team.
The Argentine manager, in an emotional interview with Mail Sport (via Daily Mail) on November 17, 2021, spoke about life as the manager of the world’s current Galacticos and how the journey has been so far since he took over the reins in the middle of last season.
Mauricio Pochettino replaced current Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel at PSG in January 2021. He has since won two domestic trophies in 11 months as well as guided the club to a semi-final place in last season’s UEFA Champions League.
However, the 49-year-old’s time with the club has been subject to scrutiny due to some dull performances from his star-studded side.
However, Pochettino admits that winning all the time is expected because of the players at his disposal, but the management side of things is not easy in any way.
“When you have in your hands this type of player, it is not easy,” Pochettino told Mail Sport about the backlash received from fans and pundits after substituting Lionel Messi in PSG’s 2-1 win over Lille earlier in the season. “For us [his coaching staff], we feel the same way as when the name is different.
“When you need to make some decision to affect the player, I don’t care [if] he is a big name or a player that is at the start of his career. Of course, after, the consequence of the media or this type of thing is completely different. I understand.
“Sometimes you have to [make] some decisions that maybe make people not happy. Or maybe people are expecting different things. But that is our job. When you decide to be a coach, a manager, you know that this type of thing will arrive. But for us, it is an amazing challenge.”
Pochettino still unhappy about the circumstances of his exit from Tottenham
Mauricio Pochettino was dismissed from the Tottenham Hotspur job two years ago on November 17. The date is still etched in Mauricio Pochettino’s memory, as he spoke with emotion in the interview about the circumstances surrounding his exit from the club.
“It’s really painful,” Pochettino told Mail Sport. “Five-and-a-half years. It was an amazing journey. We could not deliver a trophy for the fans, for the club — a trophy that the players deserve, the club deserves, our president, Daniel (Levy), and of course the fans.
“All of us worked so hard to try to deliver this and we didn’t achieve [it].”
The Argentine, who still lives and operates out of a hotel in Paris 11 months into his time as PSG manager, is without his family — his wife Karina and son Maurizio — who still live in their family home in North London. This has made his time in Paris a little harder.
Lionel Messi finally opens his account in Ligue 1
Pochettino can now have hope of a better time at PSG after Lionel Messi finally opened his account in Ligue 1 against Nantes on matchday 14 of the 2021/22 season.
Lionel Messi played a key role in helping 10-man PSG survive a late onslaught from Nantes who smelled blood following the dismissal of Keylor Navas . Pochettino cut a happy figure after the game.
“He is a great champion, the best player in the world; so he knows how to come through difficult spells. He has the patience, and it’s good that he scored,” Pochettino said in his post-match press conference.