PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino singled out Marco Verratti for praise and explained his new role against Barcelona. ‘He is truly a great player.’

The Italy international is usually a deeper-lying midfielder, but in the 4-2-3-1 formation this evening at Camp Nou, he was pushed up into the ‘trequartista’ role behind striker Mauro Icardi.

It proved a masterstroke, as Verratti provided an assist for one of the goals in a Kylian Mbappé hat-trick.

Mauricio Pochettino is officially the new coach of Paris Saint-Germain after Thomas Tuchel was dismissed, increasing the chances of signing Christian Eriksen from Inter.

The former Tottenham manager arrived at the PSG headquarters this afternoon, signing a contract to June 2022, with an option for an additional year.

“I am extremely happy and honoured to become the new coach of Paris Saint-Germain,” said Pochettino on the club’s official website.

According to Italian media, Paulo Dybala and Christian Eriksen could be Mauricio Pochettino’s first signings at PSG in January.

The Denmark international is on his way out of the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Beppe Marotta confirmed earlier this week, and according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, a swap deal with Leandro Paredes is on the cards.

Thomas Tuchel has been sacked by Paris Saint-Germain and Mauricio Pochettino has been lined up as his successor, but reports claim Massimiliano Allegri and Thiago Motta are possible options.

Sky Sport Germany reported the former Borussia Dortmund coach has been sacked by the Ligue 1 giants and Mauricio Pochettino seems set to take over at the Parc des Princes.

PSG ended 2020 with a 4-0 win over Strasbourg and sit third in the League, one point behind leaders LOSC Lille.

A former Serie A coach is the favourite to replace Thomas Tuchel at PSG, claim RMC Sport, but it’s Thiago Motta rather than Max Allegri.

Tuchel took his team to the Champions League Final in August, but they have stuttered so far this season and the tactician openly clashed with director Leonardo over transfer strategy.

It’s rumoured an exit could well be imminent and until now, former Juventus boss Allegri had been considered the most likely alternative, with Mauricio Pochettino also of interest.

Samuele Longo regrets not following Mauricio Pochettino in the Premier League and says he spent ‘too much time at Inter’.

The 28-year-old joined Vicenza on a permanent move from Inter in the summer and admits he is happy to have put an end to a series of endless loan spells.

“I spent too much time at Inter, going out on loan all the time didn’t help me,” Longo told Tuttosport.

“I always have the same passion, the same desire. I never give up and you’ll see it here at Vicenza.”

Mauricio Pochettino, who has also been linked to the Roma job, has reportedly met with Barcelona President Josip Bartomeu to replace Quique Setien.

The change of coach seems inevitable after an historic 8-2 Champions League quarter-final defeat to Bayern Munich last night.

According to Catalunya Radio, Pochettino has already been contacted with a view of taking over the Blaugrana bench.

Reports are growing that Mauricio Pochettino and Barcelona director Ramon Planes are being targeted to lead Roma next season.

The club takeover should be completed by the end of this month, with Dan Friedkin replacing James Pallotta at the helm.

According to Il Messaggero newspaper, Pochettino is increasingly likely to be the first choice as coach, as he is currently out of contract following his experience at Tottenham Hotspur.

He had also been linked with Juventus and Inter, having said he was interested in a Serie A challenge.

After links with Juventus and Inter, now it’s reported in Spanish newspaper As that Mauricio Pochettino could replace Paulo Fonseca at Roma.

The tactician is out of contract after his spell at Tottenham Hotspur and gave an interview this week in which he said he was ready to listen to offers from England, Italy or Spain.

He was mentioned when Antonio Conte argued with Inter directors, then as the hot favourite to take over after Juventus sacked Maurizio Sarri.

There are growing reports Andrea Pirlo will be announced as the new Juventus coach tonight or tomorrow, having sacked Maurizio Sarri.

Sky Sport Italia claim a decision could be made as early as tonight, at most tomorrow morning, a theory shared by the Corriere di Torino and Corriere della Sera.

According to Juventus reporter Gianluca Momblano, Sky Sport Italia, Sportitalia and others, Pirlo was spotted attending a meeting this evening at the Continassa headquarters.