Video: Pochettino Explains Why Chelsea Is the Favorite to Win the Champions League This Season | OneFootball

When Paris Saint-Germain signed Lionel Messi on a free transfer deal over the recent summer transfer window, many tabbed the side as the favorites to win the UEFA Champions League competition this season. However, PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino does not necessarily agree with this notion.

In speaking to the Spanish-based show El Partidazo de COPE, Pochettino explained on why he believes Premier League side Chelsea is the favorite to win the competition this season.

“Chelsea, because they are the last champions,” Pochettino said. “We are candidates. The opponent to beat should be Chelsea, who are the champions.

The Argentine manager also touched on why he does not see that it is not an obligation for PSG to win the Champions League over the ongoing campaign.

“For PSG it has to be a dream to win the Champions League, not an obligation,” Pochettino said. “There are other clubs like Madrid, Liverpool, City, Chelsea, Bayern… who have the chance because they have the arguments to beat you. When we have an obligation to win, we will have limitations.

“Internally it is our dream, but in football, you cannot feel obliged, a footballer has to play for the desire and the dream of conquering things, not by obligation.”

PSG will return to Champions League group stage play with a key home matchup against RB Leipzig next week.