Pochettino claims he is in same boat as Mbappe, as big PSG future claim made amid Tottenham links
Mauricio Pochettino has declared that he is staying as Paris Saint-Germain manager as it stands, amid speculation of the sack and a move to Tottenham.
The Argentine coach moved to Paris in January 2021 and extended his terms in July and they now run until 2023. However, he has faced continued speculation throughout his spell in charge over his exit.
Manchester United reportedly enquired about appointing him last November. PSG rejected the approach, though, and United went after interim boss Ralf Rangnick instead.
More recently, Pochettino has had links with a move back to Tottenham, the club he got the sack from in November 2019.
Antonio Conte, who is the third manager Spurs have had since then, has reportedly told PSG of his interest in succeeding Pochettino. And Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is reportedly in constant contact with the 50-year-old Argentine.
However, Pochettino has insisted that he will see his current contract out. He added that striker Kylian Mbappe, whose PSG deal is up this summer, is signing new terms.
Pochettino told Sky Sports News: “As of today, I’m 100 per cent staying – and same for Kylian Mbappe.”
He added: “There haven’t been any concrete talks, beyond what is normal in terms of our plans with what we have been doing so far. We have a natural relationship, we communicate regarding different topics.
Pochettino to be sacked by PSG but Conte wanted as replacement
Pochettino is set to be sacked by PSG as they look to Tottenham manager Antonio Conte to be his replacement
“Of course, they change depending on the circumstances at the time but the relationship and the communication are good. We keep working hard, not just bearing in mind the present, but also with the responsibility in this job which is to think about the future, so that is what we are doing.
“That [the fact me and Mbappe are staying] is how I feel today. That is what I can say to you today. I can’t say anything else. That is how I feel right now.
“This is football, and we never know what might happen. But I have to answer the question based on how I feel today. And this is what I have done.”
The doubt over Pochettino’s future at PSG has mainly surfaced because of his failure to win the Champions League.
Pochettino doubt after Champions League failure
He took the French giants to the semi-finals last season, where they lost to Manchester City.
This time around, PSG crumbled in the last 16 as Real Madrid came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2.
Pochettino has guided PSG to the Ligue 1 title this season, but success in Europe is a bigger factor in whether managers stay or go at the club.
Elsewhere, the speculation over Conte’s future is providing an interesting twist to the situation.
Conte admitted serious doubt over him staying in north London back in February.
Tottenham have since recovered and are firmly in the top-four hunt. But, like Pochettino, his contract runs out at the end of next season and it remains unclear if he will renew.
