PSG agree to terminate Mauricio Pochettino’s contract after showdown talks with Zidane and Mourinho favourites for job

FRENCH LIGUE 1 giants Paris Saint Germain have reportedly reached an agreement with head coach Mauricio Pochettino, which will see the Argentine leave his role as manager ahead of the 2022/2023 season after 18 months in charge according to David Ornstein of the The Athletic.

The 50 year-old Argentine is believed to have met the club’s hierarchy last week to discuss the just-concluded 2021/2022 campaign, during which his team won the league but lost to eventual winners Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Round-of-16 Stage.

It is understood the conversation produced a mutual decision that the former PSG captain will not continue in the Parc des Princes dugout, with both sides identifying a parting of ways to be the most sensible step.

Given Pochettino’s contract was scheduled to expire in 2023, his exit still needs to be finalised though the club are already in the hunt for a new gaffer. Christophe Galtier of Nice is thought to be among various options, alongside French legend Zinedine Zidane.

Pochettino’s exit will follow that of sporting director Leonardo, who left the capital outfit last week and was replaced by Luis Campos who will work as PSG’s football advisor.

Pochettino took the reins at PSG from Thomas Tuchel in January 2021 and improved their points-per-game ratio, helping them win the Coupe de France in the 2020/2021 season, the Trophee des Champions in 2020 and the French Ligue 1 crown in the 2021/2022 campaign.

Reports circulated earlier this week that PSG had finally agreed a deal with No1 choice Zidane.

These rumours were quickly denied by the Ligue 1 champions, although interest in Zizou remains.

Pochettino succeeded Thomas Tuchel as PSG boss in January 2021.

He was unable to wrestle back top spot from Lille during his first six months in charge, but did pick up the Trophee des Champions and the Coupe de France.

His side romped to the Ligue 1 title in his first full season in charge, but couldn't win the Champions League or domestic cups.