FRANKFURT: German coach Thomas Tuchel has reportedly agreed a two-year contract to take over as new boss during the summer at French champions-elect Paris Saint-Germain writes KEIR RADNEDGE.
Tuchel would be replacing Spaniard Unai Emery whose departure from PSG was virtually ensured by their defeat against holders Real Madrid in the second round of the Champions League – the No1 target for the club’s Qatari owners.
The appointment would also end speculation that a number of top clubs, including English Premier League outfit, Arsenal had considered Tuchel as a possible successor to Arsene Wenger.
PSG will celebrate a fifth French title in six years if they beat the current champions, second-placed Monaco, on Sunday.
Tuchel has been the subject of rumours of a post beyond Germany ever since the former Borussia Dortmund coach rejected an approach from champions Bayern Munich who need a successor to Jupp Heynckes who has insisted he will retire – for a second time – at the season’s end.
French sources have reported that Tuchel agreed a two-year contract plus a one-year option after PSG narrowed down which had also led them to consider Massimo Allegri (Juventus), Antonio Conte ( Chelsea ) and Luis Enrique (formerly Barcelona).
The No1 challenge for Tuchel will be coaxing the best out of Brazilian superstar Neymar who cost PSG a world record €222m from Barcelona last summer but who is unlikely to play again for the club this season because of a foot injury.
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