Mauricio Pochettino talks Real Madrid, Benzema, Mbappé and Messi

Speaking in an interview with El Larguero, PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino discussed Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, the Champions League and more.

On if Kylian Mbappé will move to Real Madrid

“I don’t think that such a big decision is going to be decided on one game [Real Madrid vs PSG]. He’s an intelligent and mature boy. He has incredible charisma. He also speaks perfect English and Spanish. I’m lucky to be able to work with him, he is so mature for his age. I hope he spends his whole career at PSG… he’s in the top five players in the world without a doubt.”

On Lionel Messi

“Leo is a genius. He’s ready for the business end of the season and he’ll be at his best. He’s a competitive animal and wants to win everything. This is in his DNA.”

On Karim Benzema

“We’re always analysing the rival. It’s a rival you have to respect [Real Madrid]. Benzema is an extraordinary player. I think he is in the top five best players in the world.”

On Zinedine Zidane to PSG rumours

“Zidane is a great manager. He could manage any team in the world. He is French too. But I don’t know, it would be more a question for our sporting director or our president.”

Do these rumours bother you?

“When Zidane was at Madrid, how many rumours did I see coming from England? When we take on the job at a club like PSG, we know everything else that comes with the job. And we have to accept that, otherwise, we wouldn’t be sitting here.”

On Sergio Ramos’ fitness

“We hope he can help the team… he always gives his best. We’ll see if he makes the first leg, and if not, we’ll see if he’s ready for the return leg.”

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