Pochettino and PSG not a loveless relationship on Valentine's Day: 'Every project generates love'

By Sports Desk February 14, 2022

Mauricio Pochettino seemingly does not believe his relationship with Paris Saint-Germain is a loveless one, with the Argentinian coach saying every project he has ever been involved in has "generated love".

Pochettino joined PSG as Thomas Tuchel's successor in January 2021, returning to the club having spent two years there as a player.

After building a fine reputation for himself at Southampton and Tottenham, it was hoped Pochettino would be the coach to take PSG to the next level and finally deliver Champions League glory alongside domestic domination.

But they were beaten by Manchester City in the semi-finals of last season's Champions League and also pipped to the Ligue 1 title by Lille.

Ever since, there has been something of a cloud hanging over Pochettino and PSG, which has not been helped by frequent links with Manchester United.

Now, ahead of PSG's Champions League last-16 tie with Real Madrid, fresh rumours claim Pochettino is likely to be sacked if the Parisians are eliminated – fittingly, he was asked in Monday's pre-match news conference if he was "in love" with PSG, on account of it also being Valentine's Day.

It was not entirely clear if he was professing his undying love or skilfully dodging the question, as he said: "I am a lost romantic of the old guard. Every project I have been involved in has generated love, I don't know how to live in any other way.

"My heart has always been with me. Whenever in doubt, I have always followed my heart. I think that is how you can do well. That is what I believe.

"In order to do your job well, and I think this goes for the whole staff and I see it in the players, your heart always comes above any other feelings. That is what moves the energy that you have."

Whether he was trying to avoid a straight answer or not, you just hope he does not refer to his wife as a "project" as well.

Related items

  • Former Spain boss Del Bosque to oversee RFEF Former Spain boss Del Bosque to oversee RFEF

    Former Spain boss Vicente del Bosque will oversee a new committee supervising the RFEF.

    Spain, which is due to be one of six host countries for the 2030 World Cup, announced the creation of a special committee until the federation holds elections to replace Luis Rubiales.

    That is despite Pedro Rocha having this week been appointed as Rubiales' replacement, though he himself is under investigation amid a corruption probe.

    Rubiales was dismissed following his unsolicited kiss on Jenni Hermoso during the Women's World Cup trophy ceremony in 2023.

    The federation's former president was then arrested in early April as part of a corruption investigation.

    Del Bosque led Spain to three consecutive trophies, winning the European Championships in 2008 and 2012, while also leading the team to their first World Cup success in 2010.

    Prior to his time with the national team, he also won two Champions Leagues and two LaLiga titles while in charge of Real Madrid, where he made over 400 appearances as a player. 

  • Preston 0-3 Leicester City: Foxes seal Championship title in style Preston 0-3 Leicester City: Foxes seal Championship title in style

    Leicester City cruised to a 3-0 win over Preston in the Championship on Monday to clinch the title with a game to spare.

    Jamie Vardy was the star for the Foxes as he scored in both halves before Kasey McAteer made sure of the points with an unmarked header.

    Abdul Fatawu had the chance to cap an already memorable night for the travelling fans but hit the post with his curler.

    Preston slumped to a fourth consecutive defeat, while Leicester go into their final game against Blackburn Rovers with the knowledge that they will lift the trophy after the final whistle. 

    Data Debrief

    Jamie Vardy has scored 18 goals this season (two in this game), more than any other Leicester player in the competition. He has also netted in his last three games, scoring four goals in total.

    It was a dominant performance from the Foxes, who had 19 shots with 11 of those on target. At the other end, Preston only managed to test Jakub Stolarczyk once from their five attempts. 

  • Desailly calls on LaLiga to do more to protect Vinicius Junior Desailly calls on LaLiga to do more to protect Vinicius Junior

    Marcel Desailly has called on LaLiga to do more to protect Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior and other players who have been targeted by racist abuse.

    Vinicius broke down at a press conference earlier this month as he opened up about the abuse he has received from the stands while representing Madrid.

    The Brazil international is not alone in that regard, with team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni another example, and World Cup winner Desailly wants more to be done.

    "Vinicius has spoken out, but it's not about him - it's about LaLiga and the people who can take action," he told Stats Perform.

    "We have the power to change things, but we are not doing enough. Samuel Eto'o had the same issue before.

    "Vinicius is one of those who is suffering because the administrative people in charge are not willing to hit harder than they are."

    Vinicius has been a key player for LaLiga champions-elect Madrid once again this season with 13 goals and five assists in 23 outings.

    Desailly regards Vinicius, who scored the winning goal in the 2022 Champions League final, as one of the finest players of his generation.

    "He's a very ambitious player," Desailly said. "I think he's improved a lot because he is now clinical in assisting and finishing.

    "When you look at someone like Ousmane Dembele, his stats are not as good.

    "Then you look at Jadon Sancho, Bukayo Saka, another who has improved - there is potential for each of those to get close to Vinicius."

© 2023 SportsMaxTV All Rights Reserved.