Leonardo insists Mauricio Pochettino has full PSG backing

Paris Saint-Germain director Leonardo has revealed Mauricio Pochettino retains the club's full support despite persistent speculation over his future.

Fans of PSG have become frustrated with Pochettino's leadership of the side, despite being 15 points clear at the top of Ligue 1 with one foot in the next round of the Champions League following a 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in the last 16 first leg.

The former Tottenham boss has been heavily linked with Manchester United, who are still searching for a permanent manager, but Leonardo says PSG haven't approached anybody else in case of Pochettino's departure.

He told L'Equipe: “Right now, he still has a year left on his contract. Honestly, we’ve never thought about changing managers. We’ve never contacted Zidane or anyone else. Before coming here, Pochettino was always among the top five managers and he’s still there.

“You can see his progression, even if a lot of things have happened. I see him as being increasingly committed because over time you become more familiar with your surroundings.

“I think he had a few moments of doubt, but he’s never asked to leave. He might have gone through some difficult times, in February or March [of last year], when he had Covid-19. Then, over the summer, there were rumours of him leaving. He’s said that no club reached out to him and we haven’t been contacted either.”

Asked if the partnership would be a long-term one, he added: "We’ve never thought the contrary and he’s never asked to leave. How can a manager in his situation not be motivated? You have that kind of squad, the Champions League ahead of you, you’re at PSG where you yourself were as a player. I don’t even see how it can be a topic of discussion.”

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