Pochettino: “I didn't think it was possible to sign Messi”

PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino, in an interview with UEFA.com, has analyzed the extraordinary transfer market that the French club has carried out. Messi, Ramos, Achraf … are names that the Argentine coach talks about.

Lionel messi: “I may not be the best person to describe you. There are many more people who have a wider vocabulary to describe you closer to the reality that Leo deserves. He will always be considered among the best in the world. Since he arrived, he has adapted very quickly and has trained very well, trying to reach his maximum level as soon as possible to compete to the maximum. I did not think it was possible (to sign for us), and when an opportunity appears and everything goes so fast, you cannot process it. immediately. However, there is that connection: we are both from Argentina, we are both from Newell's, we are both from Rosario. Also, I have admired him for a long time when I faced him as a rival, so having him now training with us is very nice. We hope that, together, we can achieve what the club wants. “

Sergio Ramos: “Sergio is also a player who we believe can transmit his experience and his competitiveness. He is a player who has also won everything, like Leo. It is good to have him at the club for all that he can share with his teammates: all that experience that acquired in Real Madrid “.

Georginio Wijnaldum: “He has been captain of the Dutch national team, he has won everything at Liverpool, but he still has a lot of football to play. He can play in various positions, but without losing his competitiveness, deeply understanding the game and displaying a high level in terms of technique and strength “.

Gianluigi Donnarumma: “We have already seen him be crowned EURO 2020 Player of the Tournament and win EURO 2020 with Italy. I think his goalkeeper profile and his age make him one of the best goalkeepers in the world, right?”

Achraf Hakimi: “Achraf is a young player who I have followed since I was at Tottenham. We were about to sign him for Tottenham, but then he went to play for Dortmund. He has a great ability to run, his physical potential is enormous. He is young He's maturing defensively, but he brings a lot in attack. “

On building a team: “We believe that all players can be compatible, that we can create a really good group to work with. A group in which respect is the keyword. We have a group in which most of the players deserve to be starters, but unfortunately only 11 can be. And those who do not play will have to support the team and work to be able to play the next game and show that they also have the level to compete. “

About the Champions League: “It is a really (unpredictable) competition, but one of the most attractive in the world to play. However, you have to be lucky to win it. Because all the teams that participate in the Champions League are strong, and throughout Europe (England, Spain, Italy, even Germany and also France) have made great investments to win it. There is nothing better than participating in it. When the squad thinks about this competition, we always say that we have the responsibility and the pressure, but we are also the that we have the opportunity to be part of history, to live this experience and we are going to enjoy it “.