PSG hire Thomas Tuchel as new boss to replace Unai Emery as ex-Borussia Dortmund manager finds himself back in business

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN have hired Thomas Tuchel as their new manager.

The former Borussia Dortmund man replaces Unai Emery at the helm of the French giants.

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And one of his first jobs could be to persuade world-record signing Neymar to stay in Paris, with the Brazilian a reported target for Real Madrid and Manchester United.

The appointment marks Tuchel’s first job outside Germany, having also managed Mainz.

Tuchel was also a professional footballer in his younger years but was forced to retire at the age of 25 due to a serious knee problem.

This setback saw the 44-year-old dive head-first into the world of coaching, making his name at Stuttgart’s U19s boss while helping to develop former internationals Mario Gomez and Holger Badstuber.

EPA

A spell in charge of Augsburg’s youth side followed by their B team saw Tuchel end up at Mainz in 2009, where he oversaw 182 matches until 2014.

Tuchel then ended up replacing Jurgen Klopp at Dortmund a year later and helped revitalise the squad, eventually leading them to German Cup glory in 2017.

‘BIT ANNOYING’ Neymar breaks silence over reported Man Utd and Real Madrid interest

However, he was fired just days later, with reports claiming a fall-out with Dortmund’s board over player sales.

Tuchel was also said to be on bad terms with a number of senior figures in the squad, and the final straw proved to be Dortmund’s decision to block him from signing two high-profile targets in Oliver Torres and Omer Toprak.

Reuters

But he will have all the money he desires at PSG, and is sure to go after a number of world-class players in order to improve the squad.

Meanwhile, predecessor Emery will leave on the back of a shock 2-0 defeat to Rennes, PSG’s first home loss in 42 matches, and the upcoming weekend clash with Caen.

The Spaniard spent two years in the French capital after moving from Sevilla but surrendered the Ligue 1 title to Monaco last season.

Emery made up for his mistake with a league and cup double this term, but his time in charge will still be remembered for two woeful Champions League exits at the hands of Barcelona and Real Madrid.

AP:Associated Press