MAURICIO POCHETTINO has been confirmed as the new manager of Paris Saint-Germain on an 18-month contract after arriving at the club’s headquarters.
The Argentine chief, 48, has been out of work since being sacked by Tottenham in November 2019.
Pochettino arrived at PSG HQ on Saturday and was named boss less than two hours later
Despite being linked with a host of jobs, including Real Madrid and Barcelona, Poch held out and has now been named PSG chief following the sacking of Thomas Tuchel.
The German boss was given the boot just before Christmas on the back of a 4-0 thumping of Strasbourg with PSG one point off the top spot in Ligue 1.
After Tuchel’s sacking, PSG moved quickly to open up talks with Pochettino, who captained the French giants as a player.
Earlier on Saturday, Pochettino arrived at PSG’s headquarters to finalise the deal.
Less than two hours later, the Ligue 1 champions confirmed Pochettino would take over as manager.
Poch has put pen to paper on an 18-month deal, with an option for an additional year.
Taking to Twitter to reveal the news, PSG shared a video captioned: “Welcome Mauricio Pochettino.”
The club then released a statement on their website which read: “Paris Saint-Germain is pleased to announce the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as it’s new head coach.
Pochettino has returned to PSG after captaining the side as a playerCredit: AFP – Getty
“The Argentine has signed a contract with the club from the French capital until 30 June 2022, with an option for an extra year.”
Pochettino revealed his joy at returning the French capital.
On his appointment, the Argentine 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 chairman and CEO Nasser Al-Khelaifi added: “We are very pleased to welcome Mauricio Pochettino as first team coach.
“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.”
Tying down Neymar and Mbappe to new contracts is priority No1 for PochCredit: AFP or licensors
Pochettino is believed to have arrived in the French capital on Saturday having celebrated the New Year with his family in London.
The ex-Spurs chief was accompanied by his two assistants, Jesus Perez and Miguel D’Agostino, as well as his son, Sebastiano for the trip to PSG HQ.
Pochettino’s first game in charge will be the Ligue 1 clash at Saint-Etienne on Wednesday.
L’Equipe claim the incoming PSG boss will meet his squad for the first time on Sunday.
On Friday, it was claimed Pochettino’s first task would be to tie down Neymar and Kylian Mbappe to new contracts.
SunSport understands Spurs captain Hugo Lloris is a target for 2019 Champions League finalist Poch.
PSG also remain interested in Lloris’ team-mate Dele Alli after missing out on the midfielder in October.
Pochettino would also like a reunion with ex-Spurs star Christian Eriksen after he was transfer listed by Inter Milan.
Mauricio Pochettino set to be named new PSG boss after Thomas Tuchel is sacked
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
