Newsdeck

Newsdeck

Mbappe committed to PSG, says Pochettino

Paris Saint Germain's Neymar Jr (R) celebrates with teammate Kylian Mbappe (L) after scoring the opening goal during the Coupe de France final soccer match between Paris Saint Germain (PSG) and Saint Etienne (ASSE) in Saint-Denis, near Paris, France, 24 July 2020. (Photo: EPA-EFE/YOAN VALAT)

MADRID, Jan 28 (Reuters) - New Paris St Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino has played down reports that forward Kylian Mbappe will leave the French champions this year.

Mbappe, who has 18 months remaining on his contract in Paris, has been heavily linked in Spanish media with a move to Real Madrid.

He was on the cover of sports daily Marca on Thursday with a report that Real were waiting for the 22-year-old France World Cup winner to give them the green light before making their move.

“There’s lots of rumours, but I see him remaining at PSG for a long time to come and that’s what the club wants,” the Argentine coach told Marca.

“We have him in our plans for all the time that we’re going to be at the club.

“Granted he needs to make a decision (on his future), but what we see is someone who is very happy here and fully committed to the sporting project at this club,” Pochettino added.

“It’s both a challenge and slice of luck for a coach to work with these kind of talents, they make you a much better coach.”

The 48-year-old Pochettino, who replaced Thomas Tuchel at the Parc des Princes this month, would not be drawn on speculation linking his compatriot Lionel Messi with a move to PSG from Barcelona.

“Whatever I say about that situation, it’ll be misinterpreted and I am very happy with what I’ve got here,” he said.

“The best players can fit into any team in any league in the world.” (Reporting by Joseph Walker, editing by Ed Osmond)

Gallery

Comments - Please in order to comment.

Please peer review 3 community comments before your comment can be posted

We would like our readers to start paying for Daily Maverick...

…but we are not going to force you to. Over 10 million users come to us each month for the news. We have not put it behind a paywall because the truth should not be a luxury.

Instead we ask our readers who can afford to contribute, even a small amount each month, to do so.

If you appreciate it and want to see us keep going then please consider contributing whatever you can.

Support Daily Maverick→
Payment options

Premier Debate: Gauten Edition Banner

Join the Gauteng Premier Debate.

On 9 May 2024, The Forum in Bryanston will transform into a battleground for visions, solutions and, dare we say, some spicy debates as we launch the inaugural Daily Maverick Debates series.

We’re talking about the top premier candidates from Gauteng debating as they battle it out for your attention and, ultimately, your vote.

Daily Maverick Elections Toolbox

Feeling powerless in politics?

Equip yourself with the tools you need for an informed decision this election. Get the Elections Toolbox with shareable party manifesto guide.