Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos has thrown his support behind under-fire manager Thomas Tuchel after a 2-1 defeat to RB Leipzig in the Champions League. The loss leaves last season's finalists with just three points from three group matches, putting their knockout stage qualification in jeopardy.
Despite taking an early lead through Angel di Maria, PSG collapsed after the Argentine missed a penalty and Idrissa Gueye and Presnel Kimpembe were sent off. Goals from Christopher Nkunku and Emil Forsberg secured victory for the Bundesliga side.
Marquinhos dismissed suggestions that Tuchel's position is under threat, pointing to the coach's achievements last season. 'It is the coach who has had the best season in club history,' the Brazilian said. 'Football has no patience. We need to focus on the real things. Today he is our coach at PSG, we have confidence in him.'
Tuchel's relationship with sporting director Leonardo has been strained, and he was unhappy with the handling of out-of-contract stars Thiago Silva and Edinson Cavani, who both left for the Premier League. The German also had to work with a hastily assembled squad after three of four summer signings arrived on deadline day.
PSG now trail group leaders Manchester United and Leipzig by three points with three matches remaining. They face Leipzig at home on November 24, followed by trips to United and Istanbul Basaksehir.
