5 greatest PSG managers of the 21st century
Despite their incredible success in recent seasons, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) were not counted among Europe's elite clubs until 2010s. The previous decade saw the French side, backed by the Qatar Sports Investment Group, embark on a rapid rise to prominence.
During that time, the Parisians have won seven league titles. They have also lifted six Coupe de France trophies, six Coupe de la Ligues (French League Cup) and eight Trophee des Champions (French Super Cup). Their stranglehold on French football cannot be exaggerated.
Despite recent success, PSG endured a slow start to the 21st century
The idea that PSG would dominate Ligue 1 and make deep runs in the Champions League seemed farfetched in 2000s. Out of the club's 43 major honors, 31 have come in the 21st century with just four between 2000 and 2010!
The French giants also employed seven different managers between 2000 and 2011, of which only Luis Fernandez had a win percentage of over 50. Times have changed, though, and PSG have employed some of the most in-demand coaches over the last few seasons.
On that note, let’s take a look at the five greatest PSG managers of the 21st century:
#5 Carlo Ancelotti
Despite being one of the greatest coaches of all time, Carlo Ancelotti's time in France was unexpectedly short. After managing the likes of AC Milan and Juventus, big things were expected of the Italian when he joined the French giants in January 2012. However, Ancelotti only lasted 16 months in Paris before expressing his desire to leave the club and take the Real Madrid job.
Carlo Ancelotti has won the Premier League, Ligue 1, Bundesliga and Serie A titles. Unfinished business in La Liga...
He led the club to the 2012-13 Ligue 1 title, which was their first in nearly two decades (since 1993-94). It marked the beginning of the club's dominance in French football, and it is no surprise the club were desperate to keep hold of him. Don Carlo managed PSG for 77 games, winning 49 of them.
#4 Mauricio Pochettino
Despite rumors swirling around his future at the club, Mauricio Pochettino is still on the hunt for trophies in the 2021-22 season. The Argentinean coach joined PSG in January 2021 after being sacked by Tottenham Hotspur in 2019.
Despite failing to get the best out of the fearsome attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, Pochettino hasn't been an abject failure either. He has already delivered the Coupe de France and the Trophee des Champions last year. These were the first pieces of silverware in his managerial career.
Mauricio Pochettino ❤️💙
#UCL | #FCBPSG https://t.co/miGwlNFOMo
His side are on course to snatch back their Ligue 1 title from Lille, who won it last season. They are currently top of the table with 59 points from 24 games, 13 points clear of Marseille in second. They also hold a narrow 1-0 advantage over Real Madrid after the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 tie.
Pochettino currently has 48 wins from 69 games as head coach of the French giants and is looking to add to his haul of two trophies.