PSG Director Leonardo gives verdict on Pochettino's future following UCL ouster

Lionel Messi's maiden stint with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) ended pre-maturely as it was ousted by record 13-time winner Ral Madrid. After leading 1-0 in Paris, the Madrid leg did not go in PSG's favour on Wednesday, with the hosts winning 3-1 and entering the quarters with a 3-2 win. Thus, it has plunged PSG head coach Mauricio Pochettino's future in doubt.

Following the defeat, Pochettino rued the opening goal for PSG that changed the entire course of the match, as it dominated for the opening hour. However, the atmosphere drastically changed, with Karim Benzema scoring his hat-trick. While he labelled his side as the better ones in the game, he felt that the game was lost in ten minutes.

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"Paris St-Germain have been chasing the Champions League for some years now. I'm disappointed and upset, but these things can happen. The next few weeks are not going to be easy," quoted Pochettino during the post-match press conference, reports Sky Sports. However, club director Leonardo has asserted that the Argentine remains a part of the club's project for the ongoing season.

Leonardo communicated to RMC Sport, saying, "We shouldn't throw everything in the bin. We shouldn't start from scratch after every loss. The objective was to win the Champions League, and until half-time, we were fine. We have to improve this team and maintain morale to play in Ligue 1 and finish the season well. We should stay together. Pochettino is still part of the project for this season. It's not the time to think about that."