“I think they are more physical than in the Premier League.”
Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino has claimed that Ligue 1 is the most physical league in the world.
The Argentine was named PSG boss in January 2021, winning 37 of his first 52 matches in charge of the Parisian side.
The French outfit currently sit top of Ligue 1 with a 10-point lead over second-placed RC Lens and are on course for another league title – having previously won seven of the last 10 league titles, often by a significant margin.
Their domestic dominance has often led to criticism of its agricultural style from outside parties, with some suggesting that the division has lack of quality across the league.
However, Pochettino has been keen to dismiss this belief, coming out in defence of the French top-flight by claiming that it is more physical than the Premier League – and every other league in the world.
“My impression is that it is a very complicated league,” he said in an interview published on the Ligue 1 website, quoted on getfootballnewsfrance.
“The quality is there. I think it’s the most physical league in the world. I think the talent is amazing, and there are great coaches too.
“Every single game you can see all the teams have quality, have the capacity to win the games, never give up. I think it’s a very, very good league, and we are so happy to be here.
“I’m not saying that it’s a better league than the Premier League, but I think that in the way that the games are here – I think they are more physical than in the Premier League.”
Despite being nine-time French Champions, it is no secret that the PSG hierarchy are desperate to win the Champions League.
The Parisians currently sit second in Group A – having won two and drawn two of their first four fixtures – one point behind group leaders Manchester City.
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