Mauricio Pochettino has backtracked over comments he made on Kylian Mbappe’s future and vented his frustration over questions on his own plans at Paris Saint-Germain beyond this season.
The Argentine coach was recently booed by large sections of the PSG crowd when his name was read out ahead of kick-off amid reports that he is set to leave the club. It followed the supporter’s major protest at a Ligue 1 clash against Rennes in which they blasted the 'overpaid mercenaries' on their books and attacked the board.
It comes as Pochettino missed out on the Manchester United job, as the Red Devils confirmed the appointment of Ajax boss Erik ten Hag earlier this month after the 52-year-old met with United bosses last month to talk about becoming their new manager on a permanent basis. He has signed a contract until June 2025 with an option of a further year – meaning that Pochettino’s own future is now in doubt.
PSG star striker Mbappe has reportedly reached an agreement to join Real Madrid this summer – the Spanish giants have had a long-running interest in the Frenchman. Mbappe is out of contract at Paris Saint-Germain this summer and he has recently hinted at a move to Real Madrid while a recent interview suggested that he is open to leaving France.
Earlier this week, Pochettino claimed that Mbappe would be staying at the club beyond the end of the current campaign but he has now backtracked on those comments. He has now claimed that such a statement has been taken out of context.
Pochettino told Amazon Prime Video after Friday night’s draw at Strasbourg: "I'm very tired because it's hard to explain, but I tried. I only answered the question I was asked: 'Today, what percentage is there?' 'For me, 100 percent. Kylian too.' I don't understand why this was taken out of context. I'm very tired, but I'm strong and I don't care about rumours. I'm focused on football, on my players. We continue to do our job.
Have Your Say! Will Mbappe sign for Real Madrid this summer? Tell us what you think here.
"That's the problem. We are here to work for the club, to give our best, and there is a lack of respect all the time. We will continue to work, we are very happy that the team does not give up, it is still professional, it wants to play. Tomorrow is tomorrow, but today I am 100 percent involved with PSG."
Pochettino has also been criticised for not fielding more youngsters after the Ligue 1 title had been wrapped up, but the Argentine defended his team selections: “I think it's very important to respect the opponent and the other teams. When you play against a team like Strasbourg, who are playing for a European place, it is important to be professional and to try to put the best team.”
