Official: Paris Saint-Germain appoint Pochettino as new coach

Official: Paris Saint-Germain appoint Pochettino as new coach

The ex-Espanyol boss will take on Barcelona in the Champions League with his new club

Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as the club's new case following the dismissal of Thomas Tuchel.

Former Tottenham coach Pochettino takes over immediately on an 18-month deal and his first game in charge will be against St Etienne on Wednesday.

The Argentine inherits a PSG side who are third in Ligue 1, one point behind the leaders, and who will face Barcelona in the next round of the Champions League.

"Paris Saint-Germain is pleased to announce the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as its new head coach," the French club said in a statement on Saturday.

"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, who played for PSG as a player, said: "I'm very happy to be here. I think that it's an amazing opportunity and an amazing project and to be involved with Paris Saint-Germain is fantastic.

"In this club it's always been about excellence, the players have to deserve to wear the jersey. I think that it's a fantastic squad and I think that we can accomplish what this club and the players want because they are competitors and they want to lift trophies." 

Pochettino, 48, began his management career with Espanyol before moving to England, where he coached Southampton and Tottenham, leading the latter to the Champions League final in 2019.

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