MY ACCOUNT
Mauricio Pochettino seemingly does not believe his relationship with Paris Saint-Germain is a loveless one, with the Argentinian coach saying every project he has ever been involved in has “generated love”.
Pochettino joined PSG as Thomas Tuchel’s successor in January 2021, returning to the club having spent two years there as a player.
After building a fine reputation for himself at Southampton and Tottenham, it was hoped Pochettino would be the coach to take PSG to the next level and finally deliver Champions League glory alongside domestic domination.
But they were beaten by Manchester City in the semi-finals of last season’s Champions League and also pipped to the Ligue 1 title by Lille.
Ever since, there has been something of a cloud hanging over Pochettino and PSG, which has not been helped by frequent links with Manchester United.
Now, ahead of PSG’s Champions League last-16 tie with Real Madrid, fresh rumours claim Pochettino is likely to be sacked if the Parisians are eliminated – fittingly, he was asked in Monday’s pre-match news conference if he was “in love” with PSG, on account of it also being Valentine’s Day.
It was not entirely clear if he was professing his undying love or skilfully dodging the question, as he said: “I am a lost romantic of the old guard. Every project I have been involved in has generated love, I don’t know how to live in any other way.
“My heart has always been with me. Whenever in doubt, I have always followed my heart. I think that is how you can do well. That is what I believe.
“In order to do your job well, and I think this goes for the whole staff and I see it in the players, your heart always comes above any other feelings. That is what moves the energy that you have.”
Whether he was trying to avoid a straight answer or not, you just hope he does not refer to his wife as a “project” as well.
