PSG's 'massive egos' to blame for failings in Europe, says Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand has launched a staunch defence of Mauricio Pochettino and believes he is not to blame for Paris Saint-Germain's latest exit from the Champions League.

A stunning 17-minute second-half hat-trick from Karim Benzema saw Real Madrid overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg to qualify for the last eight of the competition at the French giants' expense. 

It means PSG's quest for a maiden Champions League title will go on for at least another season, with their appearance in the 2020 final against eventual winners Bayern Munich still their best finish.

Pochettino however is facing the sack following their implosion at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Le Parisien reporting he and sporting director Leonardo will both pay the price for the defeat.

This week however marked the five-year anniversary of PSG losing 6-1 to Barcelona having led 4-0 from the first leg under Unai Emery, just one of the examples under previous managers of the French giants capitulating in Europe.

And ex-United centre-back Ferdinand therefore believes Pochettino cannot be blamed given their recent history in the competition.

Asked whether criticism of former Tottenham boss was fair, 2008 Champions League winner Ferdinand told BT Sport: 'I don't think so given the history at PSG. 

'Many managers have been there now and won the league and failed in the Champions League. 

'We saw today how the team folded, and this isn't just a one season episode, this is something that continually happens every single year where you go, ''do you know what, PSG with the talent they've got, especially in attacking areas, with the experience that they've got, an array of international big players they've got, they're gonna have a chance of winning it''.

'And they fall