Ramos closer to long-awaited PSG debut
Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed Sergio Ramos is closer to making his Paris Saint-Germain debut, four months after arriving from Real Madrid.
The Spain international signed on a free transfer in July but has been sidelined with a knee injury.
Speaking at a media conference ahead of Sunday's (AEDT) Ligue 1 clash with Nantes, the PSG head coach said that Ramos is back in training and could be in contention to make the squad.
"Sergio Ramos has been doing well. He has trained with the squad three times and is making good progress. We are pleased and will see if he is available for tomorrow, or for an upcoming game," Pochettino said.
When asked about Ramos's mindset and frustration at not being able to play, the Argentinean added: "A [FIFA] World Cup winner like Sergio Ramos with his competitive level and mentality is going to find it difficult to accept not playing as much as he would like.
"But he is very strong. He is working extremely hard, and we think he is making good progress. We have to be patient, as he has been. That speaks to his maturity.
"He is coping well with the [training] workload and that is an important step for him to get closer to playing."
A medical update from the club earlier on Friday confirmed Rafinha, Alexandre Letellier, Julian Draxler and Gianluigi Donnarumma will miss the weekend’s game, but Pochettino is expected to have Neymar, Lionel Messi and Leandro Paredes back available, with the latter two both featuring for Argentina during the international break.
On Neymar, Pochettino said: "He has trained well today. I am not certain, but I think he will be able to be in the squad for tomorrow."
The former Tottenham boss was also asked if he felt he has made his mark on this PSG team since arriving in January.
"I think there are many signs of identity that are transmitted based on who we are, and that goes for the coaching staff and the players," Pochettino added.
"Sometimes we speak about identity and philosophy without really knowing what those words mean. It is a very subjective area. I think the team is showing many positive signs. The things we like to see and what we have implemented in the team.
"When you join a club like Paris Saint-Germain as the coaching staff, some characteristics explain why the club would want you because they have seen things that you can transmit to the team. You can get the results that the team needs.
"I think the team has its identity and style of play. It has ideas, so we want to keep improving and helping the squad develop in every area of the game so that we can get the positive results we hope for."
