PSG appoint Pochettino as new head coach

Mauricio Pochettino, an Argentine coach, has been confirmed as the new head coach of Paris Saint Germain (PSG) on Saturday.

Pochettino, a former PSG player, who is replacing Thomas Tuchel, signed a one and half year deal till June 2022, with the option of extending for a further year.

The former Tottenham Hotspur manager was confirmed by the French giant on its website.

“Paris Saint-Germain is pleased to announce the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as it’s 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,” it wrote.

Welcome Mauricio Pochettino 👋pic.twitter.com/Fr4ZgKxhNI

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) January 2, 2021

Speaking to the club after endorsing his contract, the ambitious former Espanyol manager expressed his excitement at returning to his old stomping ground where he played for two seasons.

“I am really happy and honored 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,” he said.

“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.”

Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, CEO of the club, also welcomed the man who led unfancied Tottenham to the UEFA Champions League (UCL) finals in 2019 and hopes the 48-year-old takes the UCL-hungry club forward.

“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,” he said.

“With the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino, Paris Saint-Germain is committed to continue to build and move the club forward over the coming years.”

Pochettino, sacked by Tottenham in November 2019, takes charge of a team that is third in Ligue 1 and will face Barcelona in the last 16 of the UCL next month.

He will commence his first training session on Sunday when the players return from winter break.