MAURICIO POCHETTINO thought he BROKE his nose while celebrating Paris Saint-Germain’s last-minute winner against Real Madrid.
Kylian Mbappe produced a moment of magic in the dying seconds to win the game 1-0 after Lionel Messi had missed a penalty.
The goal caused bedlam in the stands and in the dugout as Pochettino celebrated the goal with his coaching staff – only for midfielder Leandro Paredes to crash the party.
Pochettino described the scenes in his post-match press conference: “I felt two things.
“First joy, and then Paredes who hit me on the nose with his chest and I thought he broke my nose.
“I had to go to the doctor to tell him that I think he broke my nose. That’s what I felt: joy and after they broke my nose.”
Fortunately, the Argentine was okay and was able to speak to the press after match and enjoy the big victory.
Poch made the bold call not to start Neymar against Real but the Brazilian played like he had a point to prove when he came on – assisting Mbappe’s goal in a dazzling performance.
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PSG’s dominant display will only have aided Pochettino’s chances of becoming Real’s next manager.
Carlo Ancelotti is under pressure to deliver in Europe and could reportedly be sacked if he fails to win the Champions League.
And should Pochettino be the man to knock Real out, club chiefs could try and make him Ancelotti’s replacement.
Manchester United are also eager to appoint the former Tottenham boss in the summer having tried to snatch him away from Paris following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal.
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