Reports: PSG identify their next manager after their early Champions League exit
What’s the rumour?
According to reports from The Daily Mail, PSG are set to sack their manager Unai Emery and have identified Antonio Conte as his successor. It is also reported that PSG have contacted the Italian about a possible appointment.
The Background
Unai Emery has come under fire following PSG's exit from the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid. Although they have a 14 point lead over second placed Monaco and are cruising in the league, the demand from the board to qualify for the latter stages of the Champions League has not been fulfilled.
It is widely rumoured that his days as PSG's head coach are numbered and the club are looking at potential managers to replace him.
The heart of the matter
The arrival of Neymar gave the PSG faithful a fresh hope of succeeding in the Champions League. They have never gone past the quarter-finals before and this year was supposed to be different.
But it was never an easy task to fulfil when they were drawn against Real Madrid in the Round of 16. They were defeated 3-1 in the first leg in Spain and critics questioned the manager's approach towards the game.
To make things worse, their star player, Neymar, injured his ankle in a league game and had to undergo surgery, an injury that will keep him sidelined for a good part of the next three months. Real Madrid again ran out winners in the second leg and PSG were eliminated from this year's Champions League.
Antonio Conte, himself, has enjoyed a difficult season with Chelsea. The Italian arrived in England last year and won the league in his debut season. But a disastrous title defence and regular disagreements with the board regarding transfer policies has thrown his future into doubt.
Although they find themselves five points adrift from fourth place, Chelsea's season is not over yet. They are still in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup and have a crucial Champions League second leg at Barcelona. There is still a chance of winning some silverware.
Rumour rating- 7/10
Both managers are very likely to move on to greener pastures this summer as both of them have been coming under constant rebuke of late.
Author's take
Emery is the likelier of the two managers to get the sack and PSG will need to find a good replacement for him. There is a small chance that Conte may just keep his job if Chelsea can finish in the top four and win the FA Cup. If not, the Italian will be open to a move to the French Capital and will be looking to achieve a maiden Champions League trophy for the club and for himself.