‘Keep Him Away From United’ – What Fans Are Saying About Pochettino After Real Madrid Defeat
Mauricio Pochettino was hailed for his tactics in PSG’s 1-0 first leg win over Real Madrid in February, as the visitors finished the game with zero shots on target to PSG’s eight.
In the second leg, however, the Ligue 1 outfit did what they have done so often in recent years – capitulated right at the end. Now, Pochettino has come under fire for not making the right changes after Gianluigi Donnarumma’s blunder brought Real back into the game.
Before Karim Benzema’s opener, PSG were in control at the Bernabeu, finding several opportunities to extend their lead on counter through Kylian Mbappe.
In the last 20 minutes, while Carlo Ancelotti’s substitutions changed the game in the hosts’ favour, Pochettino gave away the control of possession by bringing on Idrissa Gueye for press resistant Leandro Paredes.
The former Tottenham Hotspur boss’ future at PSG is now under threat, further increasing the possibility of him becoming Manchester United’s next manager. But it seems, not many fans are on board with the suggestion.
Knocked out of the French Cup and Champions League despite having Messi, Neymar and Mbappe but Man Utd's board somehow think he's the one to take the club back to where it belongs.
Please, keep Mauricio Pochettino FAR AWAY from Manchester United. pic.twitter.com/T9KCs8IQYD
— UF (@UtdFaithfuls) March 9, 2022
https://twitter.com/gabrieloguda/status/1501678779764293632
If PSG lose this game then it should highlight that #MUFC should avoid any conversations with Pochettino.
He doesn't possess the power to bring Manchester United back from the stone ages, just stick with talking and advancing with Ten Hag.
#RMAPSG pic.twitter.com/TenmO1VMsE— UtdActive (@UtdActive) March 9, 2022
I've been consistent in not rating Poch. He's the ultimate bottler. He finished third in a two horse race.
— Paddy (@OddsOnFPL) March 9, 2022
Brilliant game #RMAPSG #Benzema fantastic, but PSG again find a way to blow it. Pochettino will be available for another club next season after this defeat, but I’m not sure many coaches could win the #ChampionsLeague with the current set up in Paris!
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) March 9, 2022
While Pochettino’s in-game management was disappointing, it’s important to note PSG were the better side over the two legs. But it’s a result business and the Argentine, at least for the next few days, will only be judged by the 2-3 aggregate.
However, the United hierarchy shouldn’t make such an important decision based on one result, and neither should PSG, who sacked Thomas Tuchel mid-season only for him to go and win the Champions League with Chelsea.