Leonardo reviews in The Team. In an extensive interview, the sports director of PSG makes a detailed review of all the issues that keep him awake at night as the head of the French club’s sports field. Not only does he reflect out loud on the Mbapp case. He also talks about the figure of Messi, the signing of Ramos, the future of Pochettino…
Is there an offer of 50 million euros a year to Mbapp?
“It’s not true. We haven’t sent a specific offer. There is an important element: I think the last thing we will put into this contract will be money. We want to put him in the best conditions so that he is the best possible player.”
We have not sent a specific offer, to put the amount Kylian would take two minutes
They haven’t talked about money then?
“Almost never. Because that’s not what it’s about. Kylian has such great value that I think that’s secondary. I think to put the amount, it takes two minutes.”
Are you clear that you want to stay at PSG?
“More and more. It’s a matter of feelings. The French player, when he starts, aims to play abroad. It’s no coincidence that in the 1998 world champion team you have a majority of players who play abroad. Same in 2018, Kylian was the only one of the eleven guy who played in France. Pogba and Griezmann have never played in Ligue 1, Zidane has made his career more abroad than in France. But at that time, there was no club of the size of PSG. We are not sellers. The feeling that there was on Saturday in the stadium is magnificent. Something is being created, not only for him”.
Have you not been valued enough at PSG?
“There is a reality. Kylian is the best player in the world today. Messi has always been at this level, and for me he continues at this level, but it’s normal for people to arrive… It’s not about judging who is better. One is 23, the other 34.”
As long as there is no signature, we will do our best to keep it
Are there options for him to renew and not go to Real Madrid?
“I can’t say it, but we have possibilities. As long as there is no signing, we will try everything, we will do everything possible to keep it. I don’t think I will judge the result against Real. We have a next generation, we have young people in training, we want to make other investments. What Qatar has done for ten years has placed PSG among the greats. Today, the club is a reality. It is loved, admired, respected.
Do you understand certain criticisms of Messi?
“He had the humility to come here, after everything that has happened, what he represents. I think that for artists like Mbapp, Neymar or Messi, the context is important. It’s not about isolating them in a bubble, but they need an environment “.
With Ramos we will wait before drawing conclusions because the season is not over, although I am not afraid to take responsibility for mistakes if I make them
Was it a good idea to sign Sergio Ramos?
“We signed him and he was physically fine. Today he played five games. Unfortunately, what we imagined did not happen. It is difficult for him, for everyone. But our reports are clear. The day we say he can no longer play, everyone will have him.” Of course. This is not the case. Afterwards, not playing makes it difficult for him to be a leader. We will wait before drawing conclusions, the season is not over. But I am not afraid to take responsibility for mistakes when I make them. Nasser gives me total confidence It gives me real autonomy and for that I thank you. Working with this spirit really makes you want to do it. It’s important. That’s also why I say that PSG is a great club.
Is the Pochettino cycle ending?
“As of today, he still has one year left on his contract. Honestly, we never thought about changing coaches. Actually. We never contacted Zidane or anyone. Before coming here, Pochettino was among the top 5 coaches and he still is. We see progress, even if a lot has happened. I always see it more involved because, over time, you get to know the context better.”
