Determined PSG boss Emery dismisses speculation over his future

Paris St Germain head coach Unai Emery will not allow “normal” speculation over his future to destabilise the remainder of the season.

The French giants saw their hopes of Champions League progress ended by a 2-1 home defeat against holders Real Madrid on Tuesday night.

PSG have yet to win the elite European club competition and have now exited in the last 16 for the past two seasons under the Spaniard.

While his team may be some 14 points clear at the top of Ligue 1, and on course for success in both domestic cups, speculation is mounting Emery will not be in charge for the next campaign.

The likes of Chelsea boss Antonio Conte and Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino have both been linked with a switch to Parc des Princes.

For now, though, Emery is determined to continue with the job in hand – which will on Saturday see PSG host bottom club Metz before looking ahead to the upcoming Coupe de la Ligue final against Monaco and a French Cup semi-final at Caen.

“We have talked about things yesterday, okay so we are finished in the Champions League, but we must continue our way in the other competitions,” Emery said at a press conference.”

“The most important thing is the analysis which can be done and what we can improve.

“The Champions League is very important, but our other goals are important too.

“For me, the future is the present. I am not worried about my personal future, I am worried about the club, the team, how to find the needed performance and how to improve.”

Emery claims leaving his position before the end of the season is “not an issue on the agenda”.

He said: “My desire, my enthusiasm, is football, I am very motivated for the game tomorrow.

“I will pass this on to my players. Tomorrow, we will have a good match, also for our supporters.”

Emery remains convinced PSG are heading in the right direction – no matter who is in the dugout.

“We also need patience. We are in a process. A process is to win, but also to lose,” he said in a press conference broadcast on the club’s website.

“The project is PSG. The people who are in this project can change, but the project itself is very solid.”

German midfielder Julian Draxler, who watched most of the second leg from the bench, claimed PSG had “offered much, much too little” against Real Madrid.

Emery, though, is not looking for scapegoats.

“After defeat, I also know from my experience that it’s not always good to talk a lot,” the head coach said.

“The players are young and emotional, after a defeat we can say things that we regret.”

Emery added: “All players wearing the PSG jersey have a responsibility. All arrived yesterday with the idea of ​​preparing for Saturday’s match.

“It is important to follow this path with these goals, with the (Ligue 1) championship and both the cups.

“The players are aware of it and with enthusiasm we can regain confidence.”