PSG’s sporting director has responded to reports that French ex-footballer Zinedine Zidane is lining up to take over the leadership of the Parc des Princes should Pochettino leave for Man Utd.
What did Leonardo say?
No speedy movement is expected there, as the red devils are forced to look elsewhere for a temporary successor to the deposed Solskjaer. Paris Saint-Germain has made it clear that they have no intention of parting with the Argentine at this stage, but that has done little to contain rumors of talks with former Real Madrid boss Zidane.
With widespread speculation about alleged discussions with the iconic Frenchman who will see him return to his homeland, PSG’s sports director Leonardo has been keen to put an end to the gossip. Leonardo said they don’t want Mauricio Pochettino to leave. Pochettino never asked to leave and no club contacted them regarding him. According to Leonardo, they have a lot of respect for Zinedine Zidane, what he did as a player and coach, but Leonardo can tell you very clearly that there is no contact and that the meeting did not take place.
A little about the topic
For now, Premier League heavyweights Man Utd seem to be turning their attention to Rangnick. The seasoned German tactician intends to take the reins of Old Trafford on a short-term deal before the end of the 2021-22 campaign. He is then expected to move into an advisory role, with Mauricio remaining Man Utd’s, which at this stage prefers to take over the functions on a full-time basis.
Any deal would vacate a prominent role in the Parc des Princes, with Zinedine Zidane, who had strong ties to Paris Saint-Germain for some time. He proved himself capable of managing superstar performers when he guided Co and Ronaldo to three consecutive Champions League crowns with Real Madrid. The 1998 World Cup winner walked away from the second spell under the direction of Santiago Bernabeu back in May and has been waiting for enticing offers ever since.