Di Maria defended by PSG boss Pochettino over Messi transfer comments

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 19 May 2021 11:39 BST
• 2 min read

Mauricio Pochettino has leapt to the defence of Angel Di Maria after the Argentine’s comments regarding Lionel Messi were branded as disrespectful by Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman.

Every since Messi has been linked with PSG for a move this summer, figures from both clubs have continually been asked by the media about their stance on the potential deal.

At PSG, Pochettino, sporting director Leonardo, and players Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Leandro Paredes, and Ander Herrera have all been asked about it, as well as Di Maria.

When asked by Canal Plus if he would like PSG to sign Messi, Di Maria said:

“Yes, yes, I hope so. There are many possibilities. We have to be calm and things will develop.”

It was these comments which catalysed a response from Koeman, as he believes Di Maria and PSG as a whole were ultimately disrespecting Barcelona by talking about their player openly.

Pochettino, though, believes Di Maria was simply truthfully asking a question he was asked.

“They ask Di María, ‘would you like to play with Messi?’ Well, what do you want me to answer? he said on El Transistor.

“Not for that you are disrespecting Barcelona, ​​let’s not take things out of context”

“I have to have respect for all the clubs and players. Not only PSG, all the clubs in the world design strategies to improve their squads.

“A difficult situation to understand, that a player talks about a teammate and talks about how they would like to be together, I think it’s valid “

Messi is unhappy at Barcelona due to their declining performances on the pitch as well as the direction the club is heading off it.

The Blaugrana are currently in a dire situation financially, and with debts mounting, they may have to allow Messi to leave for free this summer without a fight in order to get his wages off the books.

Barcelona face PSG in the Champions League round of 16 this week.