Mauricio Pochettino praises PSG ‘geniuses’ for beating Bayern Munich by working ‘like a team’

Last year’s finalists are through to the semis at the expense of the reigning champions

(AFP via Getty Images)

Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino declared himself delighted with the off-the-ball work of his team, after they knocked out Bayern Munich on away goals in the Champions League quarter-finals.

A 3-2 win in Bavaria a week ago proved decisive, with those three strikes on the road the difference after Bayern edged the second leg by a single goal to nil.

Despite not scoring, PSG were electric on the counter-attack, struck the woodwork twice through Neymar and had a Kylian Mbappe strike ruled out for offside in what was another absorbing encounter. But it was at the other end of the pitch where Pochettino found most pleasure, with the team working in unison to hold Bayern at bay in the second half.

“They are fantastic players and the quality is there you can appreciate,” he said to BT Sport after the match.

“They work so hard and I’m so happy. Our job is to try and put this type of talent that are geniuses, to work like a team, to make effort without the ball.

“With the ball they are fantastic but to be a real team is the challenge for us and we’re so happy about that.”

PSG will face Manchester City or Borussia Dortmund in the semis, with the Premier League side ahead after the first leg.

Pochettino acknowledged that despite his low-key demeanour on the touchline, being at this stage of the Champions League is always a stressful and exciting encounter, with PSG hoping to go one better this year.

“During the game we were really focused. It was a tough match, [I’m] really happy because the players deserve the credit.

“After three months working here we’re showing [up] in this type of game; if you win and qualify for the semi-final it’s an amazing moment for us.

“I am calm outside but inside you are always with the stress of the competition. It’s the adrenaline we love to feel.”

PSG also remain in the hunt for the Ligue 1 title once more, with Lille currently leading the way in what is a four-team race this year.