Paris Saint-Germain has crashed out of the Coupe de France following their 0-0 result leading to their loss in penalty kicks. In 90 minutes, the capital club fired off ten shots, but only three reached on target.
As a result, the match went straight to penalty kicks following a scoreless draw. During the shootout session, it was neck and neck; then, the controversial talking point came when Xavin Simons stepped up to take the penalty kick ahead of other veteran players.
Simons would miss, and after the match, manager Mauricio Pochettino was asked during his press conference about the decision to send the 18-year-old to take the crucial kick.
“We made the decision related to the first five shooters, which were Leo, Kylian, Paredes, Julian, and Marco. We thought we could win with those five, but for the others, it depended on how the players felt. They took the places that suited them. Xavi was not my choice,” Pochettino said.
“You have to keep absolute confidence in [Simons], like for any other PSG player. He has the same rights. There is logically a great disappointment for him and the others as well.”
