Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Sam Meade

Mauricio Pochettino handed Mauro Icardi warning as new PSG boss bids for first trophy

Mauricio Pochettino has been warned about the pitfalls of handling striker Mauro Icardi who has been accused of "not liking competition".

The Argentine striker moved to PSG last season and performed impressively as he scored 20 times.

It saw him move permanently from Inter Milan but this term he has struggled, although injuries have played their part.

Nevertheless he has just three goals with Pochettino in the process of assessing his newly inherited squad at the Parc des Princes.

And former Ballon d'Or winner Jean-Pierre Papin has not held back in his opinion of Icardi, a player he feels struggles in a star-studded squad.

Mauro Icardi has struggled for form this season (REUTERS)

He told France Football : “When I watched him play for a year, I didn’t get the impression that he wanted to bring the house down. How is it possible?

“In his body language, I didn’t see the urge. From what I have seen of him, I have great doubts about his personality.

“I feel he doesn't like competition. At Inter he was very impressive but he was the undisputed star and captain. In Paris, he is a ‘normal’ star and is behind Neymar, Mbappe and a few others.”

Edinson Cavani's departure allowed Icardi to take over the no 9 shirt but Moise Kean has come in and hit the ground running.

Mauricio Pochettinois the man making the calls at PSG (REUTERS)

The Everton flop has rediscovered his goalscoring touch and bagged 11 times in 18 outings.

Papin though does believe Icardi can flourish with the creative flair around him given his finishing ability.

“He is a pure goal hunter,” He added.

“He knows how to position himself in front of goal. He senses where the ball will bounce, which is ideal when you are surrounded by team-mates who have such vision as Neymar, Mbappe and Di Maria - though he does not care to defend.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.