Mauricio Pochettino appointed PSG manager

Former Tottenham head coach replaces Thomas Tuchel

(Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty I)

Mauricio Pochettino has been appointed as Paris Saint-Germain’s new head coach on an 18-month contract after Thomas Tuchel was dismissed following an indifferent start to the French champion’s season. 

The former Tottenham manager, who was sacked just six months after leading Spurs to the Champions League final, returns to the dugout for the first time since November 2019. 

The 48-year-old spent three seasons at the French club during his playing career, captaining them in his final season in Paris in 2003, and had previously admitted that it would be a “dream” to one day return to the Parc des Princes. 

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“I am really happy and honoured to become the new coach of Paris Saint-Germain," Pochettino said. “I would like to thank the club's management for the trust they have placed in me. As you know, this club has always held a special place in my heart. I have wonderful memories, especially of the unique atmosphere of the Parc des Princes. I return to the club today with a lot of ambition and humility, and am eager to work with some of the world’s most talented players. 

"This team has fantastic potential and my staff and I will do everything we can to get the best for Paris Saint-Germain in all competitions. We will also do our utmost to give our team the combative and attacking playing identity that Parisian fans have always loved.”

Pochettino has never won a trophy as a manager, despite transforming Spurs into serious contenders during his five-and-a-half years in charge, but will be afforded few mercies in Paris, where a Ligue 1 title is expected as the bare minimum. 

Tuchel won back-to-back titles and took PSG to the Champions League final last season, but public disputes with the board and a disappointing start to the season spelt the end for the German. 

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