<
>

PSG boss Unai Emery focused on Coupe de France final amid exit links

PARIS -- Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery is not preoccupied by his potential dismissal ahead of Saturday's Coupe de France final against Angers.

The imminent arrival of former FC Porto transfer guru Antero Henrique as sporting director is said to potentially spell the end of the Spaniard's time in charge at Parc des Princes after a difficult debut season.

"I am only thinking about this match -- the 100th edition -- which could see us surpass Marseille as the outright most decorated club," Emery told journalists in his prematch press conference at Stade de France.

"We started the campaign with a title and it would be good to finish with one too -- we are thinking nothing but positively. It will be an important day and we will all be together with an obligation to win.

"I am only thinking about right now. I have a lot of respect for Angers and I want us to put in a good performance. Ambition is important. After that, we will look at the process with the club and the president. I am only speaking about this match. After that, we can speak about other things."

Despite this term's disappointment after AS Monaco claimed the Ligue 1 title, captain Thiago Silva insisted that progress has still be made as PSG continue their journey towards the UEFA Champions League final.

"Our journey? It started with Carlo [Ancelotti]," said the Brazil international. "Even after the changes in coach, we have learned things. Progress has been made.

"We did not win Ligue 1 this season, so people will say otherwise, but our progress is clear to see and it will be even more so next campaign."

Angel Di Maria and Javier Pastore had their Paris homes searched earlier in the week as part of an investigation into potential tax evasion and Emery revealed he has spoken with both Argentina internationals.

"I spoke with both players on Tuesday and they are calm," the Basque tactician said. "They are focused on this match. Moments like this happen from time to time."

Silva added that he does not believe Di Maria or Pastore have their minds elsewhere ahead of the Angers clash.

"No, I do not believe they are distracted," said Silva of his two teammates. "They are concentrated on their football.

"For the other things, they have people to take care of that sort of stuff."

Regarding squad news, Emery confirmed that only Layvin Kurzawa, Thomas Meunier, Christopher Nkunku and Jean-Kevin Augustin were definitely ruled out on he eve of the fixture.

"We will see after training who is feeling 100 per cent," the 45-year-old said. "Layvin and Thomas are out. Christopher and Jean-Kevin are on international (under-20 FIFA World Cup) duty. Everybody else is fine, even if a few have some slight complaints."

Emery also hinted that Alphonse Areola, Giovani Lo Celso and Presnel Kimpembe could all start at Stade de France on Saturday.