LIGUE 1
Pochettino insists he didn't hear fans jeering Mbappé during PSG's win over Strasbourg
Kylian Mbappé was jeered by some Paris Saint-Germain fans on Saturday, though coach Mauricio Pochettino claims he did not hear it.
Paris Saint-Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino insists he did not hear the jeers directed at Kylian Mbappé both before and during Saturday's 4-2 Ligue 1 win over Strasbourg.
PSG fans turn on Mbappé
Mbappé marked his 150th Ligue 1 appearance with an assist for Julian Draxler and also finding the net himself via a massive deflection off Ludovic Ajorque in the first half. He was a constant threat during the game but will likely have felt frustrated not to have added more goals as he was denied by Matz Sels twice in the second period. Despite consistently being the biggest danger in a PSG side that faded badly in the second half and saw their 3-0 lead cut to 3-2, Mbappé was targeted by certain sections of the crowd.
The France international is into the final year of his contract at the club, and although president Nasser Al-Khelaifi said Mbappé had no reason not to extend his deal following the signing of Lionel Messi, an agreement still eludes PSG as Real Madrid circle.
However, Pochettino is convinced Mbappé remains completely focused. "Kylian is focused on our goals. He did well and I am very happy with his performance. He must continue like this," said Pochettino. "I didn't hear the whistles against Mbappé".
Messi and Ramos presented
Earlier in the evening it was all cheers for the fans in the Parc des Princes, which welcomed a capacity crowd for the first time since February 2020. Those in attendance got their first glimpse of Messi following his arrival from Barcelona. Messi and his fellow new signings – including former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos – were presented on the pitch before the game to a raucous ovation, though neither played.
Pochettino wished he could have joined in the celebrations. "It was a great day for the PSG family, there was an amazing atmosphere," the coach said. "I was not present during the presentation of the signings, but the feedback we got was that it was incredible. All players need to feel this affection from the fans. I want to congratulate the whole club again. We experienced something moving. I would have preferred to be outside the changing rooms to experience this. It's always nice to see our supporters up close. Football is different with the public. A year and a half later, it feels good."