Paris Saint-Germain head coach Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as a leading candidate to take over from sacked Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the former Tottenham Hotspur manager faced the media ahead of Wednesday's UEFA Champions League clash with Manchester City.
Asked about the rumors, Pochettino first told RMC Sport that he is "happy" in Paris before reiterating that stance during the conference as multiple questions were posed on a possible Old Trafford switch.
Mauricio Pochettino to RMC Sport: “I'm happy in Paris. I know the city well both as a player and a coach, I have always lived this type of situation. Things happen and it's not my responsibility. What I'm going to say if you ask me is that I'm happy in Paris” 🇫🇷 #PSG @AndiOnrubia
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 23, 2021
"I am good in Paris," said the Argentine. "I have known this situation well for all my career as both a player and a coach. Things can happen and they are not my responsibility. What I will say is that I am happy in Paris."
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During the press conference on the eve of PSG's major clash with Manchester City, Pochettino admitted that he has no power over rumors linking him with United and that he and the squad are focused on the Champions League Group A encounter which could decide top spot.
Pochettino on Man Utd links: “I’m not a baby. We are in football - it’s a business where the rumours are there and I completely understand what’s going on. Sometimes in a positive way or a negative way. Rumours are there. But I’m only focused on tomorrow game”. 🔴🇫🇷 #PSG #MUFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 23, 2021
"I am focused on football," said the South American. "I am not a child. Football is my life and there are rumors. I understand that. They cannot distract me. We are giving 100%."
When the line of questioning turned back to United once more, Pochettino stated his commitment to PSG having seen his contract extended until 2023 over the summer when the French giants exercised an option for an additional year.
Mauricio Pochettino again on Man United chance: “My contract with Paris is until June 2023. I’m very happy at PSG, that's a fact. I am happy in Paris, I want to make it clear”. 🇫🇷🇦🇷 #PSG #MUFC pic.twitter.com/cLeRBOTsvn
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 23, 2021
"We are not here to speak about that [United interest]," the 49-year-old said. "I respect my club PSG. What another club does is none of my concern. I will not comment on it. I am happy in Paris. I love the club and the fans. It is wonderful with PSG."
One final time, Pochettino emphasized his deal runs for two more years at Parc des Princes and that he is happy in the French capital despite reports to the contrary with Zinedine Zidane thought to be the favorite to take over from him -- if he does go.
Pochettino: “I'm respecting my club and I’m not gonna say anything. What another club does, it doesn't concern me. I'm not going to comment - I love PSG, the fans, the city. It’s fantastic to be here”. 🇫🇷 #PSG
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 23, 2021
"I thought I made it clear," said Pochettino. "I have a contract until 2023. This season and next. I am happy with PSG. It is a fact. It is not up for debate. I am happy in Paris."
Erik Ten Hag has been cited as a long-term solution with Ernesto Valverde considered a short-term fix, but Pochettino is viewed as the favorite for the United post at present while Michael Carrick leads the team temporarily.