Video: ‘Problem of the Structure’ – Mauricio Pochettino Explains Why Xavi Simons Isn’t Seeing Playing Time With First Team

Paris Saint-Germain missed Marco Verratti in the 2-2 draw against RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions. The capital club went out with the trio of Idrissa Gueye, Danilo Pereira, and Georginio Wijnaldum. 

Nonetheless, following the performance of Xavi Simons in the UEFA Youth League, manager Mauricio Pochettino answered a question at his press conference regarding providing an opportunity to youth players like Simons to see if they can contribute to the first team. 

“We have 33 pro players on the squad. Young players need to show off; it’s not ideal to train with the pro squad during the week and on weekends to stay home and play PlayStation. They need competition; that’s why I leave it at the disposal of the other teams. My staff and I have always liked to use young players. But a youngster not only needs space; he has to feel that he can play, that he has this option,” Pochettino said.

“Otherwise, the initial motivation can quickly turn into frustration. And instead of a progression, we are witnessing a regression. Playing with young players makes them feel important, and there he can continue to improve. Our past work speaks for itself; it’s not just words. We would like to be able to count on these young people in the future. But it is a problem of the structure, which makes it difficult for these young players to find a place for themselves.”

Simons’ contract is up in June, and reports are he’s hesitating on extending with the Ligue 1 side. It will be interesting to see if these comments by Pochettino play any role in the teenager’s mind as he ponders a new deal. 

Tags Mauricio Pochettino Xavi Simons
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