Mauricio Pochettino arrives for his first training session at PSG while new bosses bid to go on the ground after just being given an 18-month contract following his appointment
- Mauricio Pochettino reported for work at PSG’s training ground on Sunday
- The Argentine was confirmed as the new leader of the French giants on Saturday
- He replaces Thomas Tuchel after a disappointing start to the 2020-21 season
- Pochettino’s first game will be above the away home at St Etienne on Wednesday
Mauricio Pochettino was looking ready to go on the ground running at Paris Saint-Germain when he arrived for training on Sunday morning after finally giving Thomas Tuchel a place above the French giants.
The Argentine wore a mask while with his former Tottenham assistant, Jesus Perez, as he reportedly worked for the French club’s training ground.
He arrived ahead of Sunday’s training session, with preparations to get off to a solid start ahead of his first away game at St Etienne on Wednesday night.
Mauricio Pochettino waves to the cameras as he arrives for PSG’s first day of training
The Argentine, and his assistant Jesus Perez, were wearing a mask when they reached the training ground
Pochettino makes his way out of his car while reporting for work Sunday morning
Pochettino walks into work as he officially takes over from Thomas Tuchel who is on his sack
The 48-year-old is back in management just over a year after his defeat at Spurs, which led him to the Champions League final last season but only got an 18-month contract on contract running until June 2022. There is an option to extend for another year.
He was spotted at PSG’s training ground on Saturday and was named shortly after 3pm as the new head of the French champions.
In a statement, Pochettino said: ‘I am delighted and honored to be the new coach of Paris Saint-Germain. I would like to thank the leaders of the Club for their trust in me.
‘As you know, this club has always had a special place in my heart. I have wonderful memories, especially the special atmosphere of the Parc des Princes. I return to the Club today with a great deal of ambition and humility, and I want to work with some of the most talented players in the world.
‘This team has great potential and my staff will and will do everything we can to get the best for Paris Saint-Germain in all competitions. We will also do our best to give our Parisian fans the most aggressive and aggressive play identity ever. ‘
PSG had been looking for a new manager after they sacked Tuchel on Christmas Eve, just hours after a 4-0 win over Strasbourg in Ligue 1 – and four months on from leading to Champions League final.
Pochettino signed an 18-month contract with the French giants after it was announced on Saturday
Pochettino met PSG bosses on Christmas Eve and has now concluded an exciting contract to take over at the Parc des Princes, after spending time finding the right project after to sink Tottenham.
Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi said on his appointment: ‘I am proud to see our former captain return to Paris Saint-Germain, as the Club has always been in his home.
‘Mauricio’s return fits perfectly with our ambitions and will be another exciting chapter for the club and I am sure the fans will enjoy it.
‘With the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino, Paris Saint-Germain are committed to building and moving the club forward in the years to come.’
Pochettino is cracking down to get ahead with the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar on hand, as he looks to make an unforeseen return to football management after five years with Spurs.
Pochettino races to join the likes of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Co in Paris
The Argentine has been out of work since being sacked by Tottenham in November 2019
The Argentine manager played for the Ligue 1 giants between 2001 and 2003 before moving to another French side Bordeaux. Pochettino previously admitted back in 2016 that his ‘dream’ would be to take over in the French capital.
He previously told RMC Sport: ‘One day I would like to train PSG. It’s part of my dream. It’s a club I follow a lot. I will try to see all the games. Especially in the Champions League.
‘I have spoken to Jean-Louis Gasset (then a supporter of manager Laurent Blanc) several times. Come back to Paris one day, why not? ‘
The 48-year-old has been out of work for 14 months since Jose Mourinho was replaced at White Hart Lane, and was previously considered a future choice for Manchester United, Real Madrid. and Barcelona.
But he has now taken the reins at PSG, and there will be great expectation on his shoulders to deliver the goods from outside.
During his five years with Tottenham, Pochettino turned Tottenham into Champions League rulers after a brilliant transformation on his side. However, awards put him in north London before he was sacked after a horrific run of form at the start of the 2019-2020 campaign.