Mauricio Pochettino proves there’s no ill-feeling between him and Paris Saint Germain as he takes in game at ‘amazing’ Qatar World Cup alongside club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi
Former Paris Saint Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino took in Argentina’s dramatic victory over Mexico at the Qatar World Cup alongside club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi – proving there remains little ill-feeling between the two parties.
The Argentine, who played for PSG during his playing career, departed the Parisian club this summer after just two seasons, despite having won Ligue 1 last season.
Posing for a picture alongside his son, Sebastiano, Jesus Perez – two members of his coaching staff at the Parisian club – and club president Al-Khelaifi, Pochettino appeared his typically happy self as they took in Argentina’s win over Mexico on Saturday.
Posing for a photo on Instagram alongside his son and assistant, Jesus Perez, Mauricio Pochettino appeared delighted sat next to PSG’s president
A source close to the former PSG boss said: ‘Mauricio was hosted for the match by the club president, proving that suggestions that his time there ended badly and they have a poor relationship is a myth.’
A goal from Lionel Messi and a wonder-strike from Enzo Fernandez ensured Argentina got their first points of the tournament and remain on track for the knockout stages.
The show of unity between Pochettino and Al-Khelaifi comes just a week after the former Southampton and Tottenham boss appeared disgruntled about how victories and losses were reacted to.
Pochettino said: ‘Everyone underestimates the work of the coach. When we won it was due to individual talent and if we lost it was the coach’s fault,’ he said in response to a question if he felt undervalued.
Pochettino proved that there remains little ill-feeling between him and the club hierarchy
‘A team club model was created. It was a very difficult challenge to complete that model, with many unknowns. All those personalities, with that talent, in a team has only happened in Paris.’
Appearing to credit the players of his squad with all being top class internationals who led their countries, he said that it was sometimes hard to keep a squad packed full of such talent together at all times.
‘The model needed time. Players who came from the Copa America, from the Euros, injuries, a new city, culture… we found ourselves with nine or 10 players who were captains of their teams,’ he said.
Pochettino said that he hoped his next club would be a Champions League-contender – referencing the pleasure of managing three true superstars in Paris
Pochettino has been without a job since departing the French capital earlier this year and recent reports have linked him to a Champions League-contending side.
‘Talking about projects in football is very difficult,’ he said. ‘There are [a] few lucky ones who can be involved in a project in the medium or long term.
‘[But] there is more and more demand and less patience in the clubs. The main objective is to win and at the same time create a structure that gives you a livelihood to maintain it.
‘After being at a club with Mbappe, Messi, Neymar, it is normal that I would seek to maintain that level. A club that gives the chance to aim for the biggest, like winning the Champions League [would be ideal].’
Mauricio Pochettino believes Musiala is currently one of the best young players in the world
On Sunday evening, Pochettino appeared on the BBC to provide expert analysis for Spain’s 1-1 draw with Germany.
Heaping praise upon Jamal Musiala, the teenage sensation looking to drive Germany to their fifth World Cup crown in Qatar, Pochettino said that he felt he was ‘one of the best young players in the world’.
‘For me he is one of the best young players in the world with Gavi and Pedri. He’s a massive talent,’ he said.
