Rumoured Celtic managerial target Mauricio Pochettino signs with PSG

By Euan Davidson

January 2, 2021

Celtic fans, be honest: this was never going to happen, was it?

Neil Lennon is still the Celtic manager and remarkably, Mauricio Pochettino isn’t. The Argentine gaffer, formerly of Spurs and Espanyol, has signed on at Ligue 1 giants PSG.

Pochettino signed on the dotted line for the Champions League chasers (Guardian), who finished as runners-up in last season’s edition of Europe’s prime competition.

The Argentine has, of course, been a runner-up himself, while at Tottenham Hotspur (UEFA).

He could’ve been a Happy Bhoy at Celtic / (Photo by Gustavo Garello/Jam Media/Getty Images)

Thus ends the wildest Celtic rumour since Rivaldo

Pochettino, who played for PSG during his career (Transfermarkt), told assorted press:

“I am really happy and honoured to become the new coach of Paris Saint-Germain,

“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.”

In the height of Lennon Out mania, Pochettino had been linked with a move to the Scottish champions (Scottish Sun). While the Bhoys should obviously set their targets high for potential managerial recruits, this one never looked likely.

Having taken the Spurs team he built to the Champions’ League final, his stock would always be high upon leaving London. Now, he has one of the most lucrative jobs in football, at a club whose ambitions are very clear.

While Poch hasn’t won a major trophy as a player, his pedigree is well-established, having finished in the Premier League’s top 5 at in every full season with Spurs (Premier League).

It seemed as fanciful as Celtic snaring World Cup winner Rivaldo back in 2004 (Guardian), but even that looked more likely.

Read what our current boss thought of today’s refereeing during a defeat to Rangers at Ibrox.