Man City vs PSG: Defiant Mauricio Pochettino won’t let Manchester United rumours distract from huge tie
Mauricio Pochettino tried to avoid talking about the Manchester United job when quizzed about it on Tuesday, but a victory at the Etihad on Wednesday night would only add fuel to the fire.
The football gods often have an uncanny knack of creating an intriguing narrative and the fact Pochettino’s Paris Saint-Germain side face Manchester City just days after he was installed as the favourite to take over at United is another perfect example of that.
Naturally Pochettino was grilled about succeeding Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at his pre-match press conference, responding that he wouldn’t talk about “rumours” and that he was focused on facing City. The only “fact”, he added, was that he is “really happy” at PSG.
“We are in a business that the rumours are there, I completely understand what is going on - sometimes in a positive way and sometimes in a negative way,” said Pochettino. “This type of thing cannot distract.”
Whether the talk around United distracts Pochettino remains to be seen but, either way, beating City on Wednesday would surely only add to the belief of many that he should replace Solskjaer.
United ideally want to appoint an interim boss from now until the summer, and they have contacted former Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde, but the chance to somehow land Pochettino must surely be at the back of their mind.
Pochettino, however, is right to try and focus on Wednesday’s Champions League tie given it will likely decide who wins Group A.
City are currently top, but PSG are only a point behind and a win would see them reclaim first place.
“We have to create chances, create and score,” said Pochettino. “Winning is the most important thing, because if we win, we are sure to qualify.”
Just like the past few days, all eyes will be on Manchester.
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