‘We Knew It Was a Big Change’ – Leonardo Comments on PSG Under Mauricio Pochettino

Paris Saint-Germain's Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino (L) and Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian sporting director Leonardo enter the pitch during a training session at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on February 15, 2021 on the eve of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg football match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. (Photo by LLUIS GENE / AFP) (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

Over the Christmas break, Paris Saint-Germain decided it was time to move on from manager Thomas Tuchel and brought in Mauricio Pochettino as they started their second half of its 2020-21 season. 

The Argentine tactician has two months at the helm, and it’s a mixed bag of results: some positive, some negative. Pochettino is responsible for the capital club’s 4-1 UEFA Champions League victory over FC Barcelona at the Camp Nou. 

However, Pochettino is also the manager that can’t seem to pick up three points in Ligue 1 consistently. Even the fixtures at home are a struggle. As a result, the French giants currently find themselves fighting not only for the league title but one of the three Champions League spots for next season. 

Nonetheless, PSG sporting director Leonardo does seem to be happy with the job the ex-Tottenham Hotspur boss is doing with Les Parisiens, as he stated in his interview with France Bleu Paris (via Paris Fans). 

“I think everyone’s goal is to have an identity and have something that you recognize in your play and behavior. We talked about it with Pochettino. There is also that for the players, the change of coach in January is another thing. We made the decision, and we were aware, but it’s not easy for the coach with games right away, and the players have to absorb it all; there is a lot of change. This is a tough season. It is not to hide, and it is a fact,” Leonardo said.

“Pochettino was able to enter the group well, and that was the most important. After that, having the identity of the game takes time. We can’t say we’re going to do this right away. We must value the availability of everyone. We knew it was a big change. There are 12 games, nine wins, including the first leg against Barça. We are 3rd in Ligue 1.”

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Tags Leonardo Mauricio Pochettino
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