Paris Saint-Germain have announced the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager on a contract which runs until 2022.
Pochettino replaces Thomas Tuchel, who was sacked on Christmas Eve following a 4-0 win against Strasbourg in Ligue 1.
– Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)
– ESPN+ viewers guide: Bundesliga, Serie A, MLS, FA Cup and more
Former Tottenham Hotspur boss Pochettino takes over with PSG third in Ligue 1, a point behind Lyon and Lille.
“I am really happy & honoured,” Pochettino wrote on Twitter. “I would like to thank the club’s management for their trust.
“As you know, this club has always held a special place in my heart. I have wonderful memories. I return to the club today with a lot of ambition & humility.”
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.
Welcome Mauricio Pochettino 👋 pic.twitter.com/sMXDA7p5Hh
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) January 2, 2021
“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.”
Sources told ESPN that he had been in negotiations with the French champions for a fortnight before his appointment.
The Argentine spent two years of his playing career at PSG, where he won the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2001.
With Ligue 1 on winter break, Pochettino’s first game will come against Saint-Etienne on Jan. 6 before the Champions League round of 16 double-header against Barcelona.
