'We have not offered Mbappe 222 million, the amount will come at the end'

Being a sporting director of PSG has a lot of benefits, but that doesn’t look like that for Leonardo right now. The Brazilian is under a lot of pressure, and not because his team is not performing (after all, that’s what Pochettino is charged for), but because of his players. Kylian Mbappe will be on the front pages every day until he signs a contract with either Real Madrid or PSG, Lionel Messi is not playing as everybody is expecting from the best in the world and Neymar is also criticized. Well, to be honest, Neymar is always criticized. So, Leonardo felt the need to defend his players, talk about money and his coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Is it PSG or Don Vito Corleone - Mbappe receives an offer that he will hardly refuse

The March of 2022 started with a big story involving big cash. As per renowned Parisien, PSG offered Mbappe the following: a two-year contract, until July 2024, with an annual salary of 55 million USD net! And another 111 million USD just for the signature, as soon as he puts his autograph on the contract. To simplify the whole deal - with only saying "yes", the French striker would be 222 million USD richer. But what Leonardo had to say to that?

“It's not true. We have not sent a specific offer. There is an important element: I think the last thing we will put on this contract, it will be the amount. We want to put him in the best conditions so that he becomes the best player possible. (…) I think that to put the amount, it will take two minutes at the end. We have possibilities. As long as there is no signature, we will try everything, we will do everything to keep him. (…) What has been made by Qatar for ten years has brought PSG among the greats. Today, the club is a reality. It is loved, admired, respected” said PSG sporting director to L'Equipe.

(4.60) LORIENT (3.70) LYON (1.85)

After signing for the Parisians, Lionel Messi scored 7 goals and delivered 11 assists in 23 appearances in all competitions with PSG. But, somehow, everybody expects more. After all, he is the best in the world. The big fuss was about his performance in the Champions League match against Real, when L’Equipe rated him with 3, causing more commotion. Neymar was also criticized for his performances, even thou he had injury problems.  

"Messi is a genius. Discussing Messi is discussing football. He had the humility to arrive here, after all he has been through. I think that for artists like Mbappe, Neymar or Messi, the context is important. It's not about isolating them in a bubble, but they need an atmosphere. If you don't have that, it's more difficult for them. I'm coming back to Neymar. Do you know what he had? It's serious. The ankle bone was affected with a vascularization problem. To get back to where he is today, it's a proof that he is involved. When I had problems with him, I told him. But when things are done well, you have to say it too. You don't stick a label for life. When he is on the ground, we say to ourselves each time that something can happen” said the Brazilian.

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Leonardo was also asked about Mauricio Pochettino, who is still among leading candidates for Manchester United job after this season. As expected, PSG’s director again stated that the club doesn’t plan to change the coach.

"As of today, he still has one year left on his contract. Honestly, we never thought about changing coaches. Actually. We never contacted Zidane or anyone. Before coming here, Pochettino was in the top 5 managers and he still is. We see progress, even if a lot has happened. I always see him more involved because, over time, you get to know the context better" said Leonardo.