Messi adapting ‘very well’ as Pochettino searches for PSG ‘balance’

Paris, Aug 19 (EFE).- Lionel Messi has adapted “very well and very quickly” since joining Paris Saint-Germain, Mauricio Pochettino said Thursday, although the coach refused to be drawn on whether the Argentine superstar would make his debut this weekend.

“We already know what Leo is, what he represents. Everything is positive. There is a very good atmosphere in the group and he has adapted very well and very quickly. I’m happy with the way everyone is working,” Pochettino told a press conference ahead of the Ligue 1 match against Stade Brestois on Friday.

“We are analyzing whether he will be in the squad or not. The criteria are physical, footballing and group dynamics. We have to find a balance,” the coach said.

PSG signed Messi, Sergio Ramos, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi and Georginio Wijnaldum during the summer transfer window, which ends on August 31.

“All the players who have arrived have brought that energy that you often need to renew in a group. (…) When you have these players, the connection is very quick. Football only has one language and I think connecting the talents is very fast,” he said.

Pochettino also addressed the rumors surrounding the potential departure of Kylian Mbappé, saying he takes the media reports that he is about to join Real Madrid with “humor”, noting that the striker is PSG’s player and that he does not foresee him being elsewhere this season.

“Kylian is our player and I don’t see him not being here in this campaign that we started a couple of weeks ago,” he said.

The French star has just one more year on his contract, leading to speculation about a possible move to the Bernabeu.

“There are many things that are said, there are many things that are talked about and we have already seen from experience that some things may be, some things may not be and many of the things are not. The most important thing is that Kylian is calm,” he said.

Pochettino insisted that the player is “motivated and also working very hard to have a good season.” EFE