French champions Paris Saint-Germain have named Mauricio Pochettino their new manager to replace Thomas Tuchel who left the club recently.
Pochettino, who played for PSG in the early 2000s, was sacked as Tottenham Hotspur manager in November 2019.
“Paris Saint-Germain is pleased to announce the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as its new head coach. The Argentine has signed a contract with the club from the French capital until 30 June 2022, with an option for an extra year,” PSG announced on Saturday.
“The 48-year-old Mauricio Pochettino has history at Paris Saint-Germain where, as a centre-back and club captain, he made 95 appearances for the Rouge & Bleu between 2001 and 2003, scoring six goals. Mauricio came through the ranks at Newell’s Old Boys in his native Argentina, before moving to Europe to play for Espanyol FC and then Paris Saint-Germain. Born in Murphy, Argentina, he won 20 caps and scored two goals for his country, and his fighting spirit made him a favorite of the Parc des Princes crowd during his 30 months in Paris.”
Pochettino began his coaching career at Espanyol in Spain in 2009 and was at the club until 2012, before leaving for England where he handled Southampton between 2013 and 2014.
His spell at Southampton saw the Saints playing attractive football and raised his profile, and he joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2014.
He turned Tottenham into a regular UEFA Champions League club and led them to their first ever final in the competition in the 2018/19 season, when they lost to Liverpool.
He was however sacked in late 2019 after a run of poor results left Spurs in the lower reaches of the Premier League table.
PSG stated that Pochettino will take his first training session for the club on Sunday.
“I am really happy and honored to become the new coach of Paris Saint-Germain,” Pochettino said after signing his contract.
“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 I’m 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 Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi, welcomed Pochettino to the club with a message of optimism.
“We are very pleased to welcome Mauricio Pochettino as first team coach,” Al-Khelaïfi said.
“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.”
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