Pochettino shows who's boss at PSG by taking Lionel Messi off | OneFootball

Mauricio Pochettino has defended his decision to substitute Lionel Messi during Paris Saint-Germain’s dramatic win over Lyon on Sunday.

With the game in the balance at 1-1, Messi was replaced by Achraf Hakimi in the 76th minute.

It was a risky move by the PSG manager, but one that ultimately paid off as Mauro Icardi struck in stoppage time to send the home fans into raptures at the Parc des Princes.

And Pochettino insisted that there was no ill-feeling on Messi’s part after the game.

“I think everyone knows that we have many great players, with a 35-man squad,” Pochettino said, per RMC Sport.

“We have to make choices within the matchday squad and then during the game, keeping in mind what’s best for the team and every player.

“Sometimes the decisions are positive, or not, but that’s what managers are there to do on the sidelines, to make decisions.

“It can please people or not. I asked him how he was and he said he was fine, no issues.”

It could have blown up in his face, but managers are judged on results and Pochettino can claim a literal and tactical victory after this call.