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Leonardo says Mauricio Pochettino has “never asked to leave” Paris Saint-Germain — despite links to Manchester United.
Meanwhile, the PSG sporting director also suggested that signing injury-hit defender Sergio Ramos may have been a “mistake”.
Pochettino joined PSG in January 2021 and is likely to add this season’s Ligue 1 title to the Coupe de France he won last campaign, with his star-studded side opening up a 15-point lead at the top of the table.
However, rumours have continually linked Pochettino to the Old Trafford hot-seat, which caretaker boss Ralf Rangnick is set to vacate at the end of this season, and the PSG coach is said to have long-term admirers within the United hierarchy.
United’s football director John Murtough this week said that a “thorough process” to appoint a new manager was underway, but Leonardo insists Pochettino has never voiced a desire to leave the French capital, and that there has not been any contact with rumoured replacement Zinedine Zidane.
“Honestly, we haven’t thought about a coaching change,” Leonardo told L’Equipe. “[Pochettino] has a year left on his contract.
“We’ve never contacted Zidane or anyone else. Before he came here, Pochettino was among the best five coaches, and he still is.
“He may have had moments of doubt, but he’s never asked to leave.”
Leonardo was also asked about the condition of Ramos, who has been limited to just four Ligue 1 appearances since joining from Real Madrid due to injury.
While Leonardo refused to say Ramos’ playing career could be over, he expressed regret about the persistent injury woes suffered by the 35-year-old and appeared to hint that his signing may have been a “mistake”.
“He was well physically when we signed him,” he said of the former Madrid captain.
“Up to now he has played five games [in all competitions]. Unfortunately, it has not happened as we imagined. It’s hard for him, for everyone, but our reports are clear.
“The day it is said he can’t play any more, it will be clear for everyone. But it’s not the case.
“Not playing makes it difficult for him to be a leader, but we will wait before drawing conclusions; the season is not over.
“But I’m not afraid to own up to mistakes when I make them.”
