‘Sooner the better’ – PSG hope to wrap up title but Messi misses out

Paris Saint-Germain’s French forward Kylian Mbappe (C) and Paris Saint-Germain’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (R) celebrate their team’s goal during the UEFA Champions League first round day 6 Group A football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Club Brugge, at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on December 7, 2021. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

Mauricio Pochettino is hoping Paris Saint-Germain can clinch the Ligue 1 title on Wednesday despite being without the injured Lionel Messi, as the Argentine coach batted away questions about his future in the French capital beyond this season.

PSG are 15 points clear of Marseille with six games left in the season after beating their rivals 2-1 on Sunday.

That means they could be crowned champions on Wednesday, provided Marseille fail to beat Nantes and PSG better their nearest challenger’s result when they travel to Angers.

If Marseille do not slip up, PSG will have another chance to secure their eighth title in 10 seasons — and a record-equalling 10th French crown overall — when they play host to Lens on Saturday.

“The sooner the better,” Pochettino said when asked if he would prefer to win the league away from home or in front of the PSG fans at the Parc des Princes, where supporters angry with club management and at the manner of their Champions League exit have decided to stay silent during remaining games this season.

“For me it would be an immense source of joy to be involved in winning the club’s 10th league title.

“That should be a great source of motivation for everyone but we still need to go out and win it as soon as possible.”

Despite their strong position in the league, the end of the season is proving to be something of an anti-climax for PSG after they