Mauricio Pochettino has stressed that those inside Paris Saint-Germain remain “calm” about the future of Kylian Mbappe.
The striker has long been linked with a move to Real Madrid upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the season and scored against Spanish giants when the two clubs met in the first-leg of their Champions League tie last month.
Mbappe was thought to be a doubt for a return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday evening after suffering an ankle injury in training amid a backdrop of uncertainty in regard to his future. Pochettino, however, has hinted the forward may start.
There have been a number of media reports in recent weeks suggesting the 23-year-old could eventually sign a new contract in the French capital despite Madrid’s interest. Elsewhere, a move to Spain is reportedly close.
Last summer, Madrid were thought to have made a substantial offer for the 2018 World Cup winner even with his dwindling contract in mind while PSG confirmed Mbappe had asked to leave.
“I think he lacks a bit of naturalness,” said Pochettino at his pre-match press conference.
“Sometimes we talk too much. We are calm with Kylian, it’s clear.
“He is mature even if he is young. I don’t doubt Kylian. He won’t change his way of playing because of what’s happening on the outside.”
Pochettino added: “The media in Madrid are talking about qualifying. We won in the first leg and we have to stay ahead.
“We respect Real Madrid, their players. It’s no coincidence that the club won 13 titles in the Champions League but we are not afraid. We know that we have to play a serious and demanding match.
“This is the competition that any player, member of staff or club would like to win. We will try to qualify for the quarter-finals."
