Mauricio Pochettino says he and Kylian Mbappe will “be 100 percent” in Paris Saint-Germain next season.
The head coach added a warning, however, adding: “This is a ball, and we don’t know what could happen.”
PSG boss and star striker Mbappe are both rumored to be leaving the French capital at the end of the campaign, with Mbappe regularly linked with a move to Real Madrid as his contract expires.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of PSG’s first match against Strasbourg, the first since he won the Ligue 1 title, Pochettino was seen showing his future and that of the French player left at the club.
Mbappe has been PSG’s leading man this season, with 33 goals and 18 assists in 42 games in all competitions.
Asked what percentage he and Mbappe would give if they were still at PSG next year, Pochettino said: “One hundred percent, in both cases.”
Responding to a question on whether he had ever had discussions with the team leader, the Argentine coach clarified: “There have been no tangible negotiations, in addition to what we have been accustomed to in terms of our plans for the past. far.
“We have a natural relationship, we communicate about different topics. Yes, they change depending on current circumstances, but relationships and communication are good.
“We continue to work hard, not just remembering the moment, but also the responsibility to think about the future, so that’s what we do.”
Asked to continue his assertion about Mbappe, Pochettino said: “That’s how I feel today. That’s what I can say to you today. I can’t say any more. That’s how I feel right now.
“This is football, and we don’t know what could happen.”
Despite taking the trophy last week, recent games have seen some of the most famous players, especially Neymar and Lionel Messi, scolded by PSG fans, for not getting their best form this season.
Brazilian international Neymar has played just 25 games in all competitions with injuries, scoring 11 goals and assisting seven more, while Messi has managed to score nine goals and 13 assists in 30 games in his first season since leaving Barcelona.
Pochettino explained why it has been a difficult season for Neymar, and described the conversation he had with Messi about the good ideas he put in.
“Neymar’s talent is undeniable,” said Pochettino. “He came here as a great player because he is one of the best players in the world. This season he was badly injured, and it was the season before Copa America. So it was difficult to get used to it. He had good and bad times as a whole team.
“I talked about this with Lionel Messi. There was time to move on, and then there was a [Champions League] finish against Real Madrid. The season would have been very different if we had passed.
“It could also give you the power to write a different story in the future.”
