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Former PSG midfielder Thiago Motta has reacted to the Parisian giants' midweek capitulation against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
Mauricio Pochettino's men were in control for most of the Round of 16 second-leg tie against Real Madrid. They looked set to qualify for the quarter-finals following Kylian Mbappe's delightful first-half goal.
However, the Ligue 1 leaders gave up a two-goal aggregate lead and succumbed to the pressure once Los Blancos' Karim Benzema equalized.
The disappointment and anguish written all over PSG players' faces were feelings that Motta knows all too well. The 39-year-old, who currently manages Serie A side Spezia, commented on his former side's exit from the Champions League, telling reporters (via RMC Sport and PSG Talk):
“I’m sad for PSG, for the defeat, but that’s football.”
He continued:
“I’m sad because I have a lot of friends, former teammates I played with. I know their sadness very well because it’s a strong team, a team that always has the possibility of fighting to get to the end of this competition. It wasn’t for them this year.”
The 3-2 loss to Real Madrid in the last-16 means the French giants have failed to make it past the round in four of their last six UCL appearances. They made the final back in 2020 but lost to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.
The long-awaited UCL trophy is yet to be heralded around the Parc des Princes.
Is a change in manager needed for PSG following their defeat to Real Madrid?
Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly on the brink of being sacked by Paris Saint-Germain following their demoralizing exit from the Champions League on Wednesday.
The Times reports that he is set to be dismissed, having failed to make it further than the last-16 of the European competition.
His side had also exited the Coupe de France earlier in the season, and he has long been linked with Premier League giants Manchester United.
Perhaps a change in coach will benefit a PSG side who look devoid of ideas once the going gets tough. The Ligue 1 giants have been linked with perennial Champions League winner Zinedine Zidane.
The Frenchman won four UCL trophies during his time as Real Madrid boss, and his coaching credentials could really help the Paris side. He is renowned for controlling big egos and making world-class talent click.
The Parc des Prince outfit have also been linked with Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte.
The Italian manager never seemed settled at Spurs, and the PSG project could excite him. He has won trophies at every club he has managed prior to his appointment at Spurs.
Conte has encountered a difficult time at the north London club and will likely end the season without a trophy to his name.
