PSG is a unique football club. With a value of over £700 million and its Qatar ownership spending a combined $1.7 billion on players since 2011, it's no secret that they're one of the powerhouses of Europe and the undisputed Kings of France's Ligue 1. However, despite their many accolades and the acquisition of one of the most frightening attacking forces on the planet, the Champions League trophy still eludes them. Now, the blame for this could point in many directions, but such is football tradition, PSG ownership pointed their finger at the manager, leading to the shock dismissal of Thomas Tuchel. However, with the recent hiring of Mauricio Pochettino, have PSG finally got the chance to capture European glory?
On the surface, the answer is clear. Yes. Mauricio Pochettino has already proven that he is a great manager who has the ability to manage world-class talent and reach big cup finals. In fact, just before his premature sacking at Tottenham Hotspur in 2019, Pochettino led them to a 4th place Premier League finish and surprise visit in the Champions League Final, where they fell to a seemingly unbeatable Liverpool side. History has shown that the combination of a world-class squad and a great manager is more than enough for Champions League success. However, Pochettino's triumph's as a manager are stained by one key fact: he still hasn't won anything! In his 10 year stint as a manager, he is yet to win any silverware and is something he will be wanting to change at PSG, but will ownership give him the time to do so?
To me, this looks like a very one-sided deal. It is very clear that winning another Ligue 1 title is just not good enough for PSG ownership and won't be satisfied without the Champions League trophy in their expanding cabinet. In my opinion, Pochettino is not the man to lead this charge. Not only is he trophyless as a manager but also is not accustomed to this winning role. At all his former clubs, his job has been to bring the club up to a sustainable winning strategy in league play whilst also competing in domestic trophies and European tournaments. This is not the role that PSG are wanting to fulfil as they require a manager with a winning background that doesn't just get them close to the Champions League Final but wins them one. In simpler terms, PSG has hired a developmental manager rather than a winning one and it is a harsh reality they will have to face when sat on their Ligue 1 throne, watching other European giants lift the most prestigious cup in club football.
So in conclusion, this is a great result for Pochettino. Not only is he guaranteed a Ligue 1 title, but will not have to fight for domestic trophies or Champions League places. For PSG, this is the exact thing they are trying to get away from and instead, they need to pursue a progressive manager who's ambition of European domination matches their own.
Very interesting point of view!
ReplyDeleteI like him as a manager but there are question marks as you say, I hope we get to see these games to find out.
ReplyDeleteLet’s hope so !
Great work Bridge