Mauricio Pochettino is back at Paris Saint-Germain after signing an 18-month deal to become their new manager.
Pochettino, who replaces Thomas Tuchel, has penned a contract until June 30, 2022 – with the opton of an extra year too.
The 48-year-old spent two years at the Parc des Princes between 2001 and 2003 as a player – making 95 appearances and captaining the club too.
Pochettino had been out of work over a year after being sakced by Tottenham in November 2019.
The Argentine will take charge of his first training session on Sunday following Ligue 1’s winter break and cannot wait to get started.
‘I am really happy and honoured to become the new coach of Paris Saint-Germain,’ he told the club’s official website.
‘I would like to thank the club’s management for the trust they have placed in me. 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.’
PSG chairman and chief executive Nasser Al-Khelaifi said Pochettino’s return ‘fits perfectly with our ambitions’, adding: ‘It will be another exciting chapter for the club and one I am positive the fans will enjoy.’
Pochettino takes over a PSG side who currently sit third in Ligue 1 and face a tricky Champions League last-16 clash against Barcelona.
He replaces Tuchel who was sacked on December 29 after two-and-a-half years in hotseat.
The German’s last game in charge of the French giants was a 4-0 win over Strasbourg on 23 December, which moved the reigning champions to within a point of Ligue 1 leaders Lyon and second-placed Lille before a two-week winter break.
