PSG Sacks Mauricio Pochettino After 18-Months In Charge.

Paris Saint-Germain have on Tuesday confirmed that they have parted ways with Mauricio Pochettino after 18-months in an official statement. 

The Argentine arrived at the Parc des Princes in January 2021 but finished second in Ligue 1 behind shock winners Lille and exited the Champions League at the semi-final stage to Manchester City.

He took charge of 84 matches, and won the Coupe de France, and Ligue 1 titles.

Pochettino led PSG to the 2020-21 Coupe de France, the 2020 Trophée des Champions, and Ligue1 title last season, but not being able to win the Champions League after they disappointedly crashed out at the round of 16 stage to eventual winners Real Madrid seems to be one of the key reasons for his departure.

Despite the club spending big during the summer transfer window to recruit the likes of Sergio Ramos and Lionel Messi, he ultimately fell short in delivering that so-desired first European Cup.

The former Tottenham and Southampton boss reportedly met PSG's hierarchy early in June and the review of the 2021/22 season concluded with the decision that Pochettino would not continue as boss of the Ligue 1 club although the sacking was only finalised in July. 

His contract with the French giants was due to expire in 2023. L'Equipe reports that he will now receive a payoff of around €10 million for himself and his coaching staff.

PSG said in a statement via the club's website "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."

Pochettino began his managerial career in La Liga with Espanyol before moving to England and enjoying spells with Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur. 

The 50-year-old next move will be key as he seeks to restore his reputation as an elite coach. He was heavily linked to the Manchester United managerial job before the appointment of Erik Ten Hag from Ajax.

Meanwhile, Nice boss Christophe Galtier is the frontrunner to become PSG's head coach on a two-year deal, with the official announcement set to be made later on Tuesday.

The 55-year-old Galtier was the man in charge when Lille stunned Pochetinho and PSG in 2021 and led Nice to fifth place in the league last season.