Pochettino 'could now STAY as PSG manager because he has the support of Mbappe'

Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly set to stay on at PSG manager with the much-needed backing of star forward Kylian Mbappe.

The France international, 23, rejected Real Madrid to sign a new three-year contract at the Parc des Princes worth £650,000 per week along with more control in terms of the on goings at the club.

The forward, however, has indicated that he has a 'great relationship' with his current manager which suggests he would be happy playing under the Argentine for the last year of his contract.

The former Tottenham boss looked set to depart at the end of the season and perhaps had former sporting director Leonardo stayed on he would have be heading for the exit door.

The 50-year-old was heavily linked with Manchester United and his former club Spurs, but both positions are filled, meaning he could be keen to remain in France.

If that is to happen, Mbappe's support could prove crucial, with the 23-year-old expressing his approval of the coach both in public and in private, according to L'Equipe.

It was previously reported that Pochettino could leave following the news of Mbappe's new contract as widespread changes were expected to help the French giants get over yet another failed attempt in the Champions League.

Sporting director Leonardo has been fired and further changes were anticipated, including the potential departure of the boss, showing the influence of Mbappe over not only the PSG team but the club as a whole.

His backing could mean no changes in the managerial position, although speculation continues to rumble on.

One certainty is Zinedine Zidane, who had been a frontrunner to replace Pochettino, will not be taking the managerial role at PSG, according to Telefoot.

Despite strong links suggesting that the former Real Madrid boss would take the role in Paris, it seems that the club are searching for a different option - if any at all now.

The 49-year-old has not been in management since his second stint with Real Madrid ended in early 2021 - having won the La Liga title in 2019/20.

Zidane is out of the running and if PSG were to stick with Pochettino it would save them from forking out millions to dismiss the Argentine.

L'Equipe did, however, report PSG are dreaming about replacing Pochettino with current Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola in 2023, when both of their contracts come to an end.