Pochettino out, Zidane in at PSG in the summer

Robin Bairner

16 Apr 2022 12:22 BST
3 min read

Zidane continues to be asked who he would like to see leading the line in 2021/22 — © ProShots

Former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane will be in charge of Paris Saint-Germain come the summer, according to reports in France.

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Present head coach Mauricio Pochettino finds himself under pressure at the club, despite having the team comfortably top of Ligue 1.

The reason being is that PSG's main focus is on winning a first Champions League tittle, but were knocked out in the last 16 by Real Madrid.

But, besides that, performances have not been strong and the overall level of leadership from the Argentine is considered to have been disappointing.

Questions have been raised, too, over just how much he is respected in the dressing room.

The shadow of Zidane has been cast over Pochettino since France’s 1998 World Cup hero elected to stand down at Real Madrid, where he notably won three Champions League titles.

Indeed, predictions in France suggest that Zidane will ultimately head to Parc des Princes, with Le Parisien suggesting this will take place at the end of the season.

How this could affect Mbappe’s future

Although star player Kylian Mbappe reputedly has a good relationship with Pochettino, it is unlikely to stop him departing the club for Real Madrid in the summer.

Mbappe’s contract is up at the end of the season and he will be a free agent come June. Indeed, he is already able to negotiate with clubs abroad – including Real Madrid.

PSG, though, are desperate to keep their undoubted ace and are looking for solutions to make that happen. Zidane could be one option for them.

Kylian Mbappe playing for PSG against Bordeaux — © ProShots

While Mbappe grew up idolising Cristiano Ronaldo – one of the reasons that he wants to join Real Madrid – Zidane was another hero of his. Having such an icon as the figurehead of PSG could, therefore, act as a factor that allows the Ligue 1 club to keep Mbappe in their ranks for another season or two.

Furthermore, it is expected that Zidane would be able to exert greater control over the PSG dressing room, including players like Neymar and Marco Verratti, than Pochettino is presently able to.