Argentine Mauricio Pochettino clinched his first trophy as a manager of Paris Saint-Germain to covert a much-desired piece of silverware.
Mauricio Pochettino Lands First Managerial Trophy
Trophy Delight for Pochettino
After a managerial career spanning 12 years with spells in La Liga and the Premier League, it is Ligue 1 and France where the 48-year-old has landed his landmark trophy success. His maiden cup success came in the Trophee des Champions in Lens. It is the equivalent of the Community Shield, which pits the champion of the league against its cup winner. Amazingly, it was the eighth time in succession that PSG have lifted this trophy.
Paris Saint-Germain Lift Silverware With Defeat Over Marseille in Final
It was Paris Saint-Germain who overcame Marseille in the final 2-1 thanks to the Latin-American tandem from Argentina and Brazil. But it was ironic it would be a countryman of Pochettino to set his team on the path to glory. This was due to Mauro Icardi netting the first goal. The Argentine brought more success later on by earning a penalty. It was a returning Neymar from a months absence who would covert the defining spot-kick.
For Marseille, Dmitri Payet who would score a consolation goal. Yet the night belonged to PSG and Pochettino. It was a 19th win in 20 finals in domestic competitions for the capital side who bring capital punishment to its rivals.
A Journey to Trophy Destiny for Mauricio Pochettino
In 2009, Pochettino set off on his road as a manager with Espanyol in La Liga. Three years and 100 games later, he moved to the Premier League with Southampton. A season and a half of Saint’s success with 60 games to show earned him his move to London and Tottenham Hotspur. It was here where the Argentine broke through in a highly successful spell. Overall he managed 293 games during his five-and-a-half years at Spurs.
Pochettino lifted the club to new heights and formed a dynamic and entertaining young team with Harry Kane and Dele Alli the headline acts. It lifted the team to the 2015 League Cup final and the 2019 Champions League final. His team deservingly won many plaudits for the manager’s tactical awareness. Also for earning success on a shoestring budget due to the huge costs for the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
However, in November 2019, he was sacked and his successful time came to an end. He would wait over a year on the managerial side-lines for an elite club he had been craving for.
French Connection Pays Off in Record Time
And so to Paris Saint-Germain. Remarkably, after waiting a long time for silverware, Pochettino has lifted a trophy in just his third match in charge of the Parc des Princes outfit. Meanwhile, his premier success will go down well with supporters. They fondly remember his time as a player at the club from 2003 to 2005.
The Route Map to Success
Pochettino was a no-nonsense defensive leader who inspired the club to relative success. This was pre nouveau riche boutique days which PSG currently revel in. Therefore, that leadership he will now look to instil as their manager. Above all, his remit will be to get the most out of the galaxy of stars at his deposal.
Disneyland Paris lies on the outskirts of the city. And through a voyage of discovery both in Ligue 1 and, more importantly, on the continent, Pochettino will be charged to enhance the magical theme park of A-list talent in Paris. In other words, to fulfil their decade-long quest of Champions League success.
On paper, it seems a good fit between the new manager and his new club. And Pochettino finally has his chance to take the reins of a stratospheric club. By the end of his time, he will hope to have led Paris Saint-Germain to Champions League glory. After that, to reign supreme on cloud nine.
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