Tottenham hopes alive as PSG prepare offer to ‘dream’ Pochettino replacement
Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Mauricio Pochettino may not yet be over as Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly lined up a high-profile replacement for their boss.
Spurs are still looking for a permanent successor to Jose Mourinho after sacking him in April. Ryan Mason took the reins on an interim basis until the end of the season and now they are looking for a more experienced name. The dream target was Pochettino, who was tipped for a dramatic return to the club.
Pochettino previously spent five years in charge of Tottenham, with the highlight being their run to the Champions League final in 2019. However, he was dismissed a few months after following a difficult start to the next campaign.
Tottenham have some regrets about that decision, as Mourinho eventually met a similar fate. Thus, it recently emerged that they could try to lure Pochettino back, just a few months after he took charge of PSG.
The Argentine tactician failed to lead them to the Ligue 1 title, prompting questions of his future. But the French giants are happy to stick with him and triggered a contract extension until 2023.
It seemed Spurs’ hopes of getting Pochettino back were over, but now there has been a fresh twist.
According to Le10 Sport, PSG have now begun putting together an offer for Zinedine Zidane in case Pochettino leaves.
While PSG have confirmed their satisfaction with their current coach, rumours persist that he is unsettled. Therefore, they are drawing up plans in case he does depart.
Zidane is out of work after calling time on his stint with Real Madrid. He was successful there, but needs to test himself out elsewhere to prove his reputation as a manager.
'Time to recognise Zinedine Zidane's tactical acumen'
Spanish football journalist Alvaro Montero believes Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane has progressed in his second spell as manager of the team.
It has previously been reported that he is waiting for the France national team job to become available again. But Didier Deschamps seems to have no intention of stepping aside early.
Therefore, a return to club management may be on the agenda for Zidane. He has become PSG’s dream candidate to succeed Pochettino.
PSG would not object to Pochettino leaving if he made it clear that he wanted to pursue such an avenue. Should that occur, they would then focus their attention on trying to convince Zidane to change his plan of taking a break.
Subscribe for free to TEAMtalk’s daily newsletter…
PSG president rages at rumours
The update comes as something of a surprise when contrasted with comments made by PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi recently.
“Look, at the end of the season I had two meetings with Pochettino, each of them were three hours each time,” he said.
“He never told me he wanted to leave. He never had an attitude that made it seem like he wanted to leave.
“It is quite the opposite. He was totally involved in the subjects: the club, the structure, the organisation, what he needs for next season… He talks almost every day with Leonardo (sports director of PSG) about the transfer window, players, etc.
“This situation really upsets me, it’s not right.
“He’s been there since January, he still has two years on the contract, he’s our coach. For him, as for Mbappé, people are trying to disturb us.”
READ MORE: Kane admits he has Pochettino dream, as Tottenham star asked about sensational return