5 reasons why PSG should replace Mauricio Pochettino with Zinedine Zidane

Zidane has been linked with the managerial role at PSG
Zidane has been linked with the managerial role at PSG

#3 PSG could get the best out of Lionel Messi

Paris Saint-Germain v RB Leipzig: Group A - UEFA Champions League
Paris Saint-Germain v RB Leipzig: Group A - UEFA Champions League

One of the biggest criticisms of Mauricio Pochettino’s management at PSG so far this season has been his use of Lionel Messi. The Argentine had a world-class season with Barcelona last time around and even won the Copa America this summer. However, he’s yet to hit his extraterrestrial potential at PSG.

Pochettino has deployed Messi as a winger on the right flank, a position which he no longer has the stamina to pull off. Messi likes to have the ball at his feet constantly and create chances for his side.

By keeping the Argentine away from the goal area, Pochettino has diminished Messi’s chances to score and create important goals.

Zinedine Zidane knows a thing or two about getting the best out of one of the greatest in the generation. Cristiano Ronaldo’s form under him is the perfect answer that PSG and Messi are looking for.

Zidane is also one of the greatest midfielders in the history of the sport. With Messi continuing to drop deeper with every season and influencing the game as a playmaker, there's no doubt that inputs from Zidane could prove to be beneficial.


#2 Zidane is a better man-manager than Pochettino

Paris Saint-Germain v Manchester City - UEFA Champions League Semi Final: Leg One
Paris Saint-Germain v Manchester City - UEFA Champions League Semi Final: Leg One

Despite being a club with the ambition to succeed consistently in domestic and European football, PSG suffer from a clear lack of discipline, work ethic and team morale.

Players at the club have been constantly found missing training sessions, missing key matches, not showing professionalism and some have even gone to the extent of violating laws and regulations.

The need of the hour at the club is a strong person to reinstall discipline. Zinedine Zidane’s legendary stature as a footballer as well as his proven track record as a manager makes him the perfect candidate for the job,

Under Zidane, players at Real Madrid gelled together quite well and egos were managed with experience.

Zidane has also worked alongside the likes of Ramos and Navas at Real Madrid, which will make it easier for him to get a grip of the dressing room.


#1 Champions League success

Juventus v Real Madrid - UEFA Champions League Final
Juventus v Real Madrid - UEFA Champions League Final

Ever since PSG's big-money acquisition, they have spent large sums on players and managers to transform the club into a household name. Although they have largely dominated Ligue 1, European success continues to elude them.

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has been adamant about turning the team into Champions League winners. PSG have come close in recent years, playing in the final in 2019 and finishing as semi-finalists.

The acquisitions of Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos were done in a bid to go all in for European glory. Both players have won eight Champions League titles combined and have the experience to show up in big games – something that PSG have lacked gravely in recent seasons.

There’s no better manager to helm these talents than Zinedine Zidane, who famously led Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles.

In those three campaigns, Los Blancos had been put under tight situations several times. But somehow Zidane found a way to get the best out of his players and get them to gun for success year after year.

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Edited by Nived Zenith
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