PSG sporting director Leonardo plays down Pochettino exit rumours

Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo plays down Mauricio Pochettino exit rumours, amid Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid links.

Nasser al Khelaifi-Mauricio Pochettino-Leonardo-Paris Saint-Germainjpg
Nasser al Khelaifi-Mauricio Pochettino-Leonardo-Paris Saint-Germainjpg

Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo has played down suggestions that Mauricio Pochettino will quit the club this summer.

The Argentine who only replaced Thomas Tuchel early this year has reportedly informed Paris Saint-Germain of his desire to leave less than six months into his two years contract at the French capital. A return to former club Tottenham have been reported while Spanish giants Real Madrid also said to be interested in his services.

However, Leonardo has suggested the former PSG midfielder will not be leaving the French capital any time soon.

Speaking to Europe 1, the PSG chief revealed that PSG are happy to keep Pochettino.

“Mauricio Pochettino has two years on his contract with PSG, and we are very happy,” he said.

Pochettino took over from current Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel in January but could do little to improve the club’s Ligue 1 fortunes as the Paris side lost the title to Lille by a single point. However, they won the Coupe de France and had a good run in the Champions League, beating Barcelona and Bayern Munich on their run to the semi-final, where they lost to Manchester City.

Despite making known his desire to leave, it is understood that Pochettino, who had a spell at Paris as a player, retains a special affection towards the club. He will respect whatever decision the board makes about his future.