Paris Saint-Germain and Mauricio Pochettino are close to reaching an agreement for the Argentine to leave the Parc des Princes at the end of the season, 90min has learned.
Pochettino arrived at PSG in January 2021, and it was an initially popular appointment due to his past as a player at the Parisian club. However, their failure to win Ligue 1 in their first season added unavoidable pressure.
Although the team is 11 points clear after 22 games this season, Pochettino’s spell in Paris remains questionable. His team is fighting for identity on the pitch, difficult relations behind the scenes are causing tension and a recent loss to Nice saw their Coupe de France defense end.
The integration of Lionel Messi since his signing for Barcelona last summer has also been a challenge.
Pochettino’s flirtation with other clubs during his time has indicated his unhappiness throughout, and the inevitable links with Manchester United resurfaced following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November.
The 49-year-old manager’s name has resurfaced in high places at Old Trafford, and we understand he remains at the center of talk of a new manager.
PSG did not contemplate the possibility of Pochettino leaving midway through the season following Solskjaer’s dismissal, letting United know at the time. Instead, United have opted for current starter Ralf Rangnick, who will step down as caretaker at the end of the season and move into an advisory role. United want to make a decision on the long-term appointment before next season.
PSG have been clear that they do not want to lose Pochettino in the middle of the current campaign, but that has not prevented growing concern, and it is believed that they have already consolidated future plans centered on former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane.
French sources have indicated their belief that a deal to bring Zidane to Paris is almost agreed, although Zidane’s preference to wait until the end of the season is also clear.
For this reason, and due to the pressure, PSG and Pochettino are about to reach an agreement for the player to leave under the conditions that both want.
Pochettino currently has a contract until 2023 with PSG, after they agreed to a 12-month extension in the summer following a proposal from former club Tottenham. But Pochettino wants to ensure he wins the Ligue 1 title before leaving the club, given the criticism he has received in the past for failing to win major trophies.
Ed Woodward stepped down as United chief executive earlier this season but made clear the qualities United’s next manager should have, with titles on the bench potentially crucial, as well as a history of playing attractive football and developing to young people.
Erik ten Hag, from Ajax, has several followers among those responsible for the club and Brendan Rodgers, from Leicester, also.
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