PSG never seem to do things the easy way. After keeping Kylian Mbappe at the last moment following a presidential intervention, they have finally appointed a new manager. Mauricio Pochettino was a dead man walking ever since PSG crashed out of the UEFA Champions League against Real Madrid.
That kind of humiliating loss (again) had spelt the doom for every manager preceding Pochettino. However, the seeds of doubt in his capabilities were already there during the entirety of his tenure.
Furthermore, the fact that PSG did not make the sacking official, despite weeks of being linked with hiring Christophe Galtier, makes it all the more damaging. Pochettino still remains a top manager, who can do wonders at most clubs. So who all would be willing to take a punt on him in the near future?
Southampton
A pair of 15th-placed finishes is a far cry from the highs of the Mauricio Pochettino era. Southampton have earned plaudits for some of their performances, but there have been more damaging losses.
Mbappé's influence on the move?🤔#Pochettino #PSG #mbappe pic.twitter.com/pGxiVfGqge
— FootTheBall FC (@FootTheBallFC) July 5, 2022
They ended up with a goal difference of (-45) in the previous two seasons, with Ralph Hassenhuttl seemingly on thin ice. There are some very exciting players in the squad who would really thrive under Pochettino. Romain Perraud, Tino Livramento, Mohammed Salisu among others.
Moreover, they have a fantastic base to build on, and Pochettino is known for getting the best out of youngsters. Though Southampton will start the 2022-23 season with Hassenhuttl, a poor run of form could see the door open for their former manager.
Everton
After the narrowest of escapes from relegation, Everton are hoping for a much better 2022-23. However, their transfer plans have been somewhat scuppered already. The Toffees have lost a major part of their funding after Alisher Usmanov was sanctioned in early 2022.
That has forced them to raise money, as evidenced by the sale of Richarlison to Spurs. James Tarkowski has joined on a free transfer, but the fact remains the side is weak.
Frank Lampard has split opinion on his time so far, so Pochettino returning would be tantalizing. He can get the downtrodden side back to the mid-table status, and competing again in a the near future.
Fulham
The Championship’s record goal scorers in 2021-22 with Aleksander Mitrovic leading the line. Fulham are finally back amongst the big boys, and much is expected of them. However, Marco Silva’s displeasure with the recruitment policy in the transfer window has been made public.
How Luis Campos has already overhauled PSG and more changes are on the way
There have been few signs of strengthening a squad, as is the case with a newly promoted side. Manor Solomon is poised to join on loan, while Andreas Pereira is coming over from Manchester United.
If Silva’s performances are not up to the mark, the owners will not shy away from making a change. Pochettino would be an ideal candidate in taking over the ship.
Espanyol
Another homecoming on the cards? Espanyol will seem like a steep fall for Pochettino at this point in his career.
However, the fact that most of the top clubs in Europe are set with their managers makes it a viable choice later on. Espanyol finished in 14th-place in 2021-22, and certainly have aspirations of higher finishes.
“I think that’s harsh!” 🤷♂️
“They’ve got a top front line, Verratti & Donnarumma. The rest aren’t top drawer.”
Trevor Sinclair says Pochettino didn’t deserve to be sacked as PSG manager. 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/8K6r5fy6tf
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) July 5, 2022
Raul de Tomas is showing no signs of slowing down, while Wu Lei and Leandro Cabrera are the steady hands. A return to La Liga would be just what Pochettino needs in order to rebuild his reputation. Moreover, the fact that he remains a club legend there will help his cause further.
Whenever an opportunity arises
The stark reality of Pochettino’s situation is that no club will want to hire him right now. Therefore, the best option is to wait as the European season gets underway, before looking for opportunities.
Of course, there is always the allure of jobs in the Middle East, which promises a lot of money and easier expectations. However, Pochettino is highly unlikely to take that route. Spurs and Manchester United were interested in the recent past. However, his former club went for Antonio Conte who delivered Champions League football.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils tanked under Ralf Rangnick, leaving John Murtough and Erik ten Hag with a massive rebuilding job. Pochettino can just wait for the season to unfold, and he can make his reentry whenever the correct opportunity comes.
