Mauricio Pochettino praises PSG ‘geniuses’ for beating Bayern Munich by working ‘like a team’

Last year’s finalists are through to the semis at the expense of the reigning champions

Karl Matchett
Tuesday 13 April 2021 23:28 BST
Comments
(AFP via Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino declared himself delighted with the off-the-ball work of his team, after they knocked out Bayern Munich on away goals in the Champions League quarter-finals.

A 3-2 win in Bavaria a week ago proved decisive, with those three strikes on the road the difference after Bayern edged the second leg by a single goal to nil.

Despite not scoring, PSG were electric on the counter-attack, struck the woodwork twice through Neymar and had a Kylian Mbappe strike ruled out for offside in what was another absorbing encounter. But it was at the other end of the pitch where Pochettino found most pleasure, with the team working in unison to hold Bayern at bay in the second half.

“They are fantastic players and the quality is there you can appreciate,” he said to BT Sport after the match.

“They work so hard and I’m so happy. Our job is to try and put this type of talent that are geniuses, to work like a team, to make effort without the ball.

“With the ball they are fantastic but to be a real team is the challenge for us and we’re so happy about that.”

PSG will face Manchester City or Borussia Dortmund in the semis, with the Premier League side ahead after the first leg.

Pochettino acknowledged that despite his low-key demeanour on the touchline, being at this stage of the Champions League is always a stressful and exciting encounter, with PSG hoping to go one better this year.

“During the game we were really focused. It was a tough match, [I’m] really happy because the players deserve the credit.

“After three months working here we’re showing [up] in this type of game; if you win and qualify for the semi-final it’s an amazing moment for us.

“I am calm outside but inside you are always with the stress of the competition. It’s the adrenaline we love to feel.”

PSG also remain in the hunt for the Ligue 1 title once more, with Lille currently leading the way in what is a four-team race this year.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in