Pochettino sacked

PARIS - PSG have sacked Manager Mauricio Pochettino following months of speculation surrounding his future after failing to win the Champions League.

The French giants are in the midst of making major changes to the club after tying down star man Kylian Mbappe to a new deal - with the French forward said to be given new influence over the team’s direction.

The former Tottenham boss won Ligue 1 but failed to deliver the Champions League trophy the club craves, despite having an all-star line-up featuring Neymar, Lionel Messi and Mbappe.

In a 35-word Twitter statement yesterday, the French giants said: “Paris Saint-Germain confirm that Mauricio Pochettino has ended his role at the club.

The club would like to thank Mauricio Pochettino and his staff for their work and wish them the best for the future.”

Departure

The news of Pochettino’s departure dropped as Messi and Neymar were pictured arriving at the club’s headquarters for pre-season training.

Pochettino joined the French giants in January 2021 on an 18-month contract to replace outgoing Thomas Tuchel.

The Argentine finished second in the league during his first campaign and crashed out of the Champions League in the semi-finals, but won the Coupe de France final.

The 50-year-old extended his contract until the summer of 2023 and went on to win the league this year, although they were knocked out in Europe in the last-16 by the eventual winners, Real Madrid.

His failure in Europe has led to calls for him to be sacked for the last few months despite winning the league title, which has now been confirmed.

Pochettino had long been linked with becoming Manchester United’s long-term replacement for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but Erik ten Hag has now taken over at Old Trafford.