As he took over as coach, Mauricio Pochettino vowed to instill a “combative and attacking” identity for Paris Saint-Germain.
The French champions revealed on Saturday the recruitment of Pochettino, their former captain, to replace the newly fired Thomas Tuchel. “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,” Pochettino said. “We will also do our utmost to give our team the combative and attacking playing identity that Parisian fans have always loved”.
Pochettino took Tottenham to the 2019 Champions League final, signed a deal to coach PSG. He signed with an option for an additional year through June 2022, the club said. The 48-year-old Pochettino inherits a squad by PSG standards that are talented but underperforming. The new year will begin in the third position, behind Lyon and Lille.
Pochettino played 95 games for PSG as a rugged central defender from 2001-03 and was a fan favorite. “I have wonderful memories, especially of the unique atmosphere of the Parc des Princes,” he said. “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.”
His first training session is Sunday ahead of Wednesday’s visit to Saint-Etienne. PSG faces Barcelona in the Champions League round of 16 in February and March. Pochettino was Tottenham’s manager for five years after helping Southampton avoid relegation in the Premier League. He began his coaching career at Espanyol in 2009.
