Mauricio Pochettino spent less than two years at Paris Saint-Germain. But what did the Argentine do for the Parc des Princes in terms of reinforcing the squad?
Eight players were drafted during Pochettino's reign, which began midway through the 2020-21 season. Appointed as Thomas Tuchel's replacement, the Parisians ended the season with a runners-up finish, surprising eventual Ligue 1 champions Lille.
PSG responded to their second-place finish by signing a number of strong players in the summer of 2021. PSG regained the Ligue 1 title in Pochettino's only full season, but disappointment in Europe and some unconvincing performances cost him his job.
Almost three years on, how many of Pochettino's eight contracts remain in the French capital? I checked to see where they all are today.
Georginio Wijnaldum
It wasn't that long ago that Wijnaldum was widely regarded as one of the outstanding central midfielders in European football.
Wijnaldum was one of Jurgen Klopp's most trusted lieutenants as Liverpool won back-to-back Champions League and Premier League titles.
However, it was a steep downhill slope from there. The Dutchman was unconvincing in his debut season in Paris and was subsequently loaned to Roma, where he was sidelined for six months with a fractured tibia.
He currently captains Steven Gerrard's Al Ittifaq side in the Saudi Professional League. He seems more determined to do more there than former Reds teammate Jordan Henderson.
Danilo Pereira
The 32-year-old Portugal international's versatility is essential and he remains a strong option for the team under manager Luis Enrique, but he appears to have lost his first-choice status this season.
Don't expect to see Pereira starting in PSG's big Champions League finals any time soon.
Read: PSG needs six players to build their future after Kylian Mbappe's departure
Achraf Hakimi
The Real Madrid academy graduate was truly outstanding in Antonio Conte's Inter's 2020/21 Scudetto campaign.
Hakimi only spent one season at San Siro, but financial difficulties forced the Nerazzurri to cash in on their star asset, with PSG signing him in a deal worth up to €70 million. made a considerable profit.
He has shone under three successive managers during his three years in Paris, continuing to prove that he is one of the best full-backs in the world.
Mbappe loves playing with him Tweet Fast forward to 2022 and he is the best right-back in the world.
Sergio Ramos
The Spain and Real Madrid legend spent most of his debut season sidelined in Paris due to injury, but he has overcome his injury troubles and will be back in charge in 2022-23 under Pochettino's successor Christophe Galtier. He played an important role in winning the season title.
After completing his two-year contract with PSG, Ramos waved goodbye and returned to Sevilla, rejecting more lucrative offers.
“I had the opportunity to continue in Paris for two years, but I didn't realize it,” Ramos explained.
“I've always been driven by impulse and heart. Not by money. That's why I didn't go to Saudi Arabia or MLS. That's why I took the risk until the 93rd minute and signed for Sevilla.
“I came to help and pull in the same direction. I look forward to wearing the Sevilla shield, stepping on Sánchez Pizjuan and seeing you all again.
“It's not only a debt I owe to myself, but also to my family, to my grandfather who made me a Sevilla supporter from an early age, and to my father… moving in a different direction. It didn't make sense.”
fair play.
Ramos' romantic return to his hometown club perhaps didn't go as planned, with them being eliminated in the group stages of the Champions League and languishing in the bottom half of La Liga, but with the Sevilla faithful still struggling with old wounds. I have been healing.
Read more: 10 clubs with the highest net spending over the past decade: Man United, Chelsea, PSG…
Take our quiz: Can you name all the players who have scored 5 or more goals for PSG in the Champions League?
Gianluigi Donnarumma
Donnarumma joined PSG as a free agent after starring in Italy's Euro 2020 victory. It was an incredible turn of events for a player considered to be one of the best goalkeepers in world football.
Although he was only 22 years old when he joined the club, he has already made over 250 appearances for AC Milan, his childhood club, and has shown tremendous growth.
Donnarumma spent his debut season at the Parc des Princes diplomatically rotated alongside Keylor Navas, but has now cemented his place as No. 1 ahead of the veteran Costa Rican.
lionel messi
The iconic Argentine player asked to leave Barcelona in the summer of 2020. The club rejected his wishes, but a year later the club's financial situation made it impossible for him to continue, and he left in tears.
PSG were waiting on the side to sign Messi for free. He performed very well in Paris, scoring 32 goals and providing 35 assists in 75 games, helping them win back-to-back Ligue 1 titles.
While in the French capital, Messi also won the Ballon d'Or twice, but this was more due to his Copa América and World Cup wins with Argentina than his achievements with the club, the same heights he achieved with Barcelona. could not be reached. , ultimately failed to lead the Parisians to Champions League glory.
“I wasn't ready to leave Barcelona. It was a difficult change for me. I had to rebuild my life and realized that it wasn't what I wanted,” Messi said in a recent interview. I looked back.
“Right now it's fun. As for retirement, I'll only retire when it's no longer fun.”
Now, he is enjoying time with his old teammates at Inter Miami and looking happier.
Take our quiz: Can you name the PSG eleven that beat Barcelona 4-0 in 2017?
nuno mendes
He was initially signed on loan from Sporting Lisbon, fresh off of winning the Portuguese title under manager Ruben Amorim, but has now signed a permanent deal for a reported fee of 38 million euros.
The 21-year-old left-back looks gifted but has only recently returned to full fitness after 10 months out injured.
Mendes started both of PSG's recent Champions League games against Barcelona and looks like a key player for the club's future.
Vicinha
This is a bit of a technical topic, but… PSG found themselves in a difficult position by sacking manager Pochettino, but it was ultimately decided that Pochettino would leave the club in July 2022.
Shortly before that, PSG announced the signing of talented Portuguese midfielder Vicinha from Porto. The 24-year-old has never played under Pochettino and is now a hugely important player under current manager Luis Enrique.
Vicinha's recent howitzer in the Champions League quarter-final victory over Barcelona served as a reminder of his qualities.