PARIS: Paris Saint-Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino said Friday the prospect of this season's Champions League final being played in the French capital provided added incentive for his team as they aim to lift the trophy for the first time.
UEFA announced on Friday that the final would be played at the Stade de France after stripping Saint Petersburg of the game in response to Russia's military invasion of Ukraine.
"For me personally it is an extra source of motivation. It is exciting to have the possibility of hosting the final in Paris at the Stade de France," Pochettino told reporters.
"We hope to be lucky enough to take part in it. It would be incredible for us to be able to be there but we have a lot of work in front of us before that."
PSG beat Real Madrid 1-0 in the first leg of their last-16 tie earlier this month, with the return to come in Spain on March 9.
The current Ligue 1 leaders have never won European club football's biggest prize but did reach the final in 2020, losing to Bayern Munich in Lisbon.
Champions League final in Paris is 'extra motivation' for PSG - Pochettino
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Champions League final in Paris is 'extra motivation' for PSG - Pochettino
- UEFA announced on Friday that the final would be played at the Stade de France
- "For me personally it is an extra source of motivation," Pochettino told reporters
FIA president praises Saudi Arabia boost of Dakar Rally
- Mohammed Ben Sulayem will attend the climax of the 48th edition at the weekend
DUBAI: FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has praised Saudi Arabia for helping the Dakar Rally emerge as one of the world’s top events, and boosting the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship.
Ben Sulayem will attend the 48th edition of the legendary race as it reaches its climax at the weekend.
The opening round of the championship has attracted a record 72 entries. It will also mark the launch of the new FIA Master Drivers’ Championship, and the entry of Defender as a new manufacturer.
Ben Sulayem will be welcomed on Friday by Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation.
The FIA president, who will speak at the closing ceremony on Saturday evening, said the event “continues to go from strength to strength.”
He added that the race now has a “record numbers of entries, new manufacturers, and ever-increasing competition in the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, reflecting the continued global growth of motorsport.”
He thanked Prince Khalid and the federation “for hosting another outstanding event and delivering a truly world-class experience for competitors, fans, and all those involved.”
Joining Ben Sulayem on his visit will be Malcolm Wilson, the FIA’s deputy president for sport.
“The 2026 edition of the Dakar Rally continues to showcase both the growth of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship and the strength of Cross-Country rallying as a whole,” said Wilson.
He added that it was “encouraging to see three manufacturers – Toyota, Dacia and Ford – all increasing their presence,” and welcomed Defender in the Stock category.
