Why Pochettino could leave PSG for Man Utd
Robin Bairner
- 22 Nov 2021 18:04 GMT
- 3 min read
Mauricio Pochettino joined Paris Saint-Germain less than a year ago but already finds himself linked to Manchester United, where Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking has left a void to be filled in the dugout.
On the face of it, the move would be surprising. PSG are presently riding high in Ligue 1 and have made at least the semi-finals of each of the last two editions of the Champions League. Furthermore, they boast the most star-studded squad presently in world football.
While Man Utd’s squad remains impressive, their overall position is not. Following Saturday’s startling 4-1 loss against Watford, they find themselves eighth in the Premier League, as close to 17th as they are to fourth.
Pochettino’s position at PSG is not as rosy as the statistics might suggest.
Related articles
Pochettino's PSG problems
For a start, he was unable to hold onto top spot in Ligue 1 last season, with Lille claiming the French crown on the final day of the season. This brought into focus the success that Thomas Tuchel, who was sacked by PSG prior to Pochettino taking over, was enjoying with Chelsea.
Furthermore, results this season have flattered PSG tremendously. Their overall performance level has generally been poor. This is born out by the statistic that based on xG, PSG could expect to be fourth in Ligue 1. Instead, they are 11 points clear.
Like Solskjaer was at Manchester United, Pochettino stands accused of having no clear idea of how he wants his side to play. Having based his previous success on an intense pressing game, that is impossible given that Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi are expected to be his front three.
Incidentally, Pochettino would face a similar hurdle at Man Utd, where Cristiano Ronaldo presses significantly less than any of PSG’s offensive trio.
And PSG have their boardroom issues, too. Sporting director Leonardo is widely seen to be in over his head and indeed was the reason that Tuchel departed six months before his contract expired.
Indeed, there has never been a sense that PSG have thrown their full weight behind Pochettino, offering him short-term deals that suggested they were always seeking a quick get-out option.
In contrast to the Ligue 1 side, whose results remain positive despite themselves, Manchester United simply cannot get any worse. His work would surely be shown in a positive light compared to Solskjaer.
Pochettino to Man Utd, then, is not something that should be written off simply because PSG are going well and have a formidable squad.
