Leonardo, the former sports director of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), revealed in an interview with JDD that he initially dreamt of bringing José Mourinho as the manager instead of Carlo Ancelotti. However, Mourinho was close to committing to Chelsea at the time. Leonardo explained that his own suspension complicated matters, making it challenging to approach potential coaches while he was departing.
Contrary to some speculations, Leonardo stated that Laurent Blanc was not the tenth choice for the managerial position at PSG. He emphasized Blanc’s qualities, describing him as a mix of French culture and extensive international experience. According to Leonardo, Blanc is intelligent and effectively utilizes the players at his disposal, expressing satisfaction with his work.
Leonardo’s revelation provides insight into the managerial considerations and challenges PSG faced during that period. It sheds light on the complexities of the decision-making process and the circumstances surrounding the appointment of Laurent Blanc as the coach of PSG.