According to sporting director Leonardo, Paris Saint-Germain have never discussed replacing manager Mauricio Pochettino with Zinedine Zidane or any other manager.
Pochettino, along with Ajax manager Erik ten Hag, is one of the frontrunners to succeed Ralf Rangnick at Manchester United this summer.
In January, a renowned French newspaper stated that former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane would follow Pochettino as coach at the Parc des Princes in the summer, adding that the latter has an acrimonious relationship with Leonardo.
However, in an interview, the Brazilian refuted all predictions that the 1998 France World Cup winner may succeed Pochettino, as well as claims that he and the former Spurs manager do not get along.
‘His contract is up for renewal in a year’ (until June 2023). We never considered switching coaches, to be honest. ‘Actually,’ Leonardo remarked.
‘Neither Zidane nor anyone else was ever contacted.’ Pochettino was, and still is, one of the top five coaches in the world before coming here. Although a lot has transpired, you can observe the progression.’
‘I usually see him getting more involved because you get to know the context better with time.’ Is Mauricio Pochettino content in Paris? Yes. ‘I believe he had doubts at times, but he never wanted to leave.’ He may have gone through terrible times; in February or March, he was diagnosed with Covid. Then there were rumors of his departure throughout the summer.’
‘He claims that no club approached him and that no one contacted us.’ Pochettino is not a problem for me. We are really open and honest, and we discuss everything.’
According to reports, Real and Tottenham tried unsuccessfully to entice Pochettino away from PSG last summer, but the French club refused to allow the Argentine leave.
While Manchester United is still interested in Pochettino, it is known that Ten Hag is studying English in order to ensure that he has a fluent command of the language ahead of a prospective move to the Premier League this summer.
Following recent internal negotiations, Ajax is said to be aware of Ten Hag’s decision to quit the club at the end of the season.