After training where he was able to count on all his stars to prepare for this Sunday’s meeting, Mauricio Pochettino appeared at a press conference relaxed but motivated in the face of the challenges of the clasico.
Isn’t this match a good opportunity to reconcile with some supporters who are still a little angry?
MAURICIO POCHETTINO. The goal is the title. And, for that, there is first this clasico which presents itself. It is clear that the objective is to win.
What does a PSG-OM represent for you?
It’s a special game. I had the chance to play here more than 20 years ago as a player, as a captain and today as a coach. It’s a game where there are more than three points at stake. It’s more than just a football game. For me, the players and our supporters, this is an important game of the season.
Do you have a message to pass on to the supporters? Do you ask them to encourage you against OM?
I have always said that with our fans the team is always better. When they are on our side, it is an advantage. They give us extra strength and take away part of the energy from the opponent. I can’t ask for anything. It’s a wish. If there are any discrepancies either before or after but during the game they support the team.
Do you need to talk to the group before this meeting?
The players know it’s a clasico, a special match for us, the fans, the club itself for our families. We talked about the importance of the three points, of finishing the season well. We hope that we will give our best version to be the closest to victory which is fundamental.
What do you think are the strengths of this Marseille team?
They are having a great season. It’s a very dynamic team, with players of great technical quality, a group that plays well as a block but has quick offensive transitions. They are well placed in the standings so it will be a tough match.
You find your compatriot Jorge Sampaoli. What do you have in common and what are your differences with the OM coach?
I do not know ! (laughs) I don’t really like comparisons. It’s hard to compare. Everyone trains as they feel, in relation to their personality, their ideas, their charisma. Afterwards, of course he and I were inspired by Marcelo (Bielsa).
We saw you accomplice with Kylian Mbappé again recently. Why do you like being his trainer?
Complicity ? I’m going to let you in on a secret: it’s with the gentleman who sits at the end of the row there (Editor’s note: he points to his deputy Jesus Perez) that she exists the most. It is he who sends centers to training to finish the actions. No… In fact, there is a good relationship, but not only with him but with all the players. We know that at this level, human management is the most difficult. In Kylian’s case, we have always had a good relationship that has been built over time. Not just with me but with all the technical staff. He’s a hugely talented player. He is someone we have seen grow up, we have seen him overcome moments of difficulty when we arrived. We are very happy to see how it has developed. He is a player who accepts and who has let himself be trained. It shows his qualities of humility both as a professional and as a person.
Can we say that Sunday’s match is the last big meeting of the season?
Yes, the clasico is an important match. On both sides. It is the most awaited match in France, apart from the final of the Coupe de France. There is an overflowing rivalry. But, for us, each match until the end of the season must be THE match, THE final so that we can finish in the best possible way. But, yes, for us it’s a final. And we will have to demonstrate it from the kick-off.
Did Idrissa Gueye have a drop in form after the CAN which justified the fact that he no longer played on his return?
We are talking about a player absent 50 days apart from the dynamics of the team, who returns the same day as a match against Rennes a few days before the match against Real Madrid. Who spent a week celebrating the title of African champion in a deserved way. What I tell you, I also told the player. With Abdou (Diallo) they made a lot of effort during the CAN. It cost them not only physically but also mentally. They struggled to regain their usual level. Other players have earned the right to play.