Broken triangle. Nasser Al-Khelaifi (right) seems determined to change everything. They talk about the departure of Leonardo (center) and Mauricio Pochettino (left). Photo: AFP
The sports director of Paris Saint Germain, the Brazilian Leonard, was removed from his duties after the team’s last game of the season. His place will take over from Portuguese Luis Campos, who is currently working as a consultant at Celta de Vigo. And it doesn’t seem to be the only change at the Parc des Princes: they make sure Mauricio Pochettino’s times on the PSG bench are numbered. What is wanted is Zinedine Zidane, who is hesitant between accepting or waiting for the Qatar World Cup to end and staying with the French National Team.
The removal of Leonardo, 52, who has held the position since 2019, came after the Parisian club extended star Kylian Mbappé’s contract until 2025.
The scorer’s contract extension came before PSG beat Metz 5-0 in the game which also meant the farewell of Argentine Ángel Di María after playing seven seasons.
Leonardo had to manage wealth and it didn’t turn out well for him. Photo: AFP
French media Prime Video, RMC, France Bleu Paris, Le Parisien and L’Equipe reported on PSG’s decision led by Nasser Al Khelaifi to part ways with its sporting director.
Leonardo, who played for the Paris team between 1996 and 1997, took his position in 2019 after the first step between 2011 and 2013, and his name, as in the Argentine coach, is among the possible dismissal.
The Brazilian is recognized as the architect of Lionel Messi’s arrival at PSG but despite this, his reputation has plummeted due to the team’s poor international season which was eliminated by Real Madrid in the round of 16 of the Champions League. Leonardo was also asked for a lot of buying “stars” and very few sales and his excessive “attraction” of players.
Mbappé’s renewal came along with Leonardo’s departure. Photo: AFP
The Portuguese Campos. who went through Lille and Monaco, where he worked with Mbappé, could take over PSG’s sports management. And he will choose the new coach if rumors of Pochettino’s departure are confirmed.
Is it time for Zidane? They assured France that he was the one chosen by the Qatari authorities, although Zizou was hesitant to accept because he had the illusion of being the coach of his country’s team after the World Cup.
Mbappe speaks
Mbappé 2025. The striker remains in Paris. Photo: Reuters
Mbappé will give a press conference on Monday at 10 at the Parc des Princes, PSG announced on Sunday in a statement. The striker will speak to club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi about his decision to renew with PSG, after speaking a few words at the Parc des Princes pitch on Saturday before PSG’s last game of the season, against Metz (5 -0 success).
Hours after his press conference, Mbappé will give an interview to France’s star television newscast on the TF1 television network.
Saturday’s announcement ended months of speculation, especially those aimed at his arrival at Real Madrid, who were extremely interested in his signing.
Source: agencies
Source: Clarin