PARIS (AP) - Paris
Saint-Germain face a potentially hazardous draw in the last 16 of the Champions League after Manchester City secured top spot in Group A with a 2-1 win over the star-studded French side.
Kylian Mbappe put PSG in front against the run of play at the Etihad five minutes into the second half.
But City’s pressure eventually paid off as goals from Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus turned the game around for the English champions.
PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino had to fend off questions in his pre-match press conference over whether he may be making a permanent move to Manchester to take over the vacant managerial role at United.
“The players know very well our situation. We are living in a business that rumors are there, sometimes positive, sometimes negative,” said Pochettino on if the speculation had affected his side.
The Argentine’s first year in the French capital has been far from plain sailing despite a 11-point lead at the top of Ligue 1.
Lionel Messi’s arrival to form a fearsome front three alongside Mbappe and Neymar has heaped expectation upon Pochettino to deliver a first Champions League crown to Paris.
But they could now face the likes of holders Chelsea, Bayern Munich or Liverpool in the last 16.
The blessing and curse of the richly-talented forward trio at Pochettino’s disposal was in evidence as the visitors were largely overrun in midfield.
“We have to improve,” added Pochettino. “I am happy in the process. Things are better than one month ago and much better than two months ago. Little-by-little the team is going to improve.”