By Dipo Olowookere
The former manager of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club of England, Mr Mauricio Pochettino, has been named as the new coach of the French side, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
The 48-year-old Argentine will manage the club located in the capital of France till June 2022 and will have the option to extend his stay for an extra year, according to a statement from the Paris-based football outfit on Saturday.
Pochettino, who signed for PSG 20 years ago as a player, is returning to the club following the sacking of Thomas Tuchel as manage last week.
During his time at the club many years ago, the Argentine played as a centre-back and then captained the side. He made 95 appearances for the Rouge & Bleu between 2001 and 2003, scoring 6 goals and his fighting spirit made him a favourite of the Parc des Princes crowd during his 30 months in Paris.
“I am really happy and honoured to become the new coach of Paris Saint-Germain,” Mr Pochettino, who is expected to take his first training session for the Rouge & Bleu on Sunday, January 3, 2021, following the winter break, stated.
“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,” the new coach assured after signing his contract.
While commenting on the appointment, the Chairman of PSG, Mr Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, stated that, “We are very pleased to welcome Mauricio Pochettino as the first-team coach.”
“I am proud to see our former captain returning to Paris Saint-Germain, as the club has always remained his home.
“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 continuing to build and move the club forward over the coming years,” he added.
This is not the first time Mr Pochettino is coaching a club he once played for.
Business Post recalls that after retiring from playing, Pochettino kicked off his coaching career at Espanyol FC between 2009 and 2012, a club he played for after he left his home country.
He then left Spain to England with a spell from 2013 to 2014 at Southampton and then at Tottenham Hotspur from 2014 until 2019.