Mauricio Pochettino has been appointed Paris Saint-Germain’s new manager, replacing the sacked Thomas Tuchel following a difficult start to the domestic season.
Pochettino is back in management just over a year after his sacking at Tottenham, whom he had led to the Champions League final the season before but he has only been handed an 18-month contract on a deal that runs until June 2022. There is an option to extend for a further year.
He was seen at PSG’s training ground on Saturday and was announced shortly after 3pm as the French champions new boss.
In a statement, Pochettino said:
‘I am really happy and honoured to become the new coach of Paris Saint-Germain. 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.’
PSG were on the hunt for a new manager after dismissing Tuchel on Christmas Eve, just hours after securing a 4-0 win over Strasbourg in Ligue 1 – and four months on from guiding his side to the Champions League final.
Pochettino met up with PSG chiefs on Christmas Eve and has now finalised a sensational deal to take over at the Parc des Princes, after biding his time to find the right project following his Tottenham sacking.
Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaïfi said on the appointment:
‘I am proud to see our former captain returning to Paris Saint-Germain, as the Club has always remained his home.
‘The return of Mauricio fits perfectly with our ambitions and it will be another exciting chapter for the club and one I am positive the fans will enjoy.
‘With the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino, Paris Saint-Germain is committed to continue to build and move the club forward over the coming years.’
