da prosport bet： Some of the biggest names in the coaching world are being linked with the vacancy at Parc des Princes this summer…
da aposte e ganhe： Christophe Galtier, in all likelihood, will not be Paris Saint-Germain coach next year. It was all-but confirmed this month, when a number of sources suggested that Galtier had already been let go, and an official announcement was imminent.
He has, like every man that takes a job at Parc des Princes, been burdened with high expectations. And, like many before him, he has, quite simply, not met them. Although PSG won Ligue 1, they did so by just one point, and were knocked out of the Champions League by a Bayern Munich side in turmoil.
So, for the third time in as many seasons, PSG find themselves on a new manager hunt this summer. Reports had previously suggested that former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann was the preferred option, with the German set to appoint France legend Thierry Henry as his assistant. However, Nagelsmann's recent track record of not getting jobs at the eleventh hour has continued, with negotiations breaking down this week.
At this point, the Parisians have tried everything. They have employed six different coaches in 12 years, each of a slightly different ilk. But all of them come into the club with some degree of European pedigree.
It is not a new concept to want an established manager; you'd hope that PSG go for one. But now more than ever, they need to make the right appointment.
This could be a real summer of change in Paris, after all. Lionel Messi has left the club, Neymar has flirted with an exit for some time, while Kylian Mbappe could bolt in 2024 — unless he can be convinced otherwise.
The next campaign, then, has to be a strong one – if only to show that PSG can achieve something in their new era.
So, who could be responsible for leading the club into the post-Messi world? GOAL takes a look at leading contenders below…
(C)GettyImagesJulian Nagelsmann
Four months later, and his sacking from Bayern Munich looks very puzzling. The Bavarians were on course for a treble when the trendy German was in the job, and although the football wasn't spellbinding, it was effective. New manager Thomas Tuchel, meanwhile, did an excellent job of messing it all up, getting battered by Man City in the Champions League, losing in the cup, and needing a Dortmund collapse to win the Bundesliga.
Nagelsmann has come close to bagging a Premier League job since then, but couldn't reach an agreement with either Chelsea or Tottenham. And his bad luck continued when he also failed to hammer out a deal at PSG. Perhaps he needs a new agent?
On the surface, he seemed well suited to the role too. PSG are set to get a whole lot younger after this summer transfer window, and Nagelsmann has an excellent record when working with youthful squads. Oh well.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesZinedine Zidane
Zidane has, presumably, been waiting for one of two jobs since he left Real Madrid back in 2020: PSG or France. Top of his list was reportedly the France national team gig. That all made quite a lot of sense – and still does. However, Didier Deschamps penned a new deal that will keep him in charge of the national team until at least 2026.
Zizou will likely take that job someday – perhaps for the 2030 World Cup cycle. But he cannot simply sit around until then. For now, PSG seems like an ideal fit. Zidane's credentials as a manager are well established by now.
He was a success in Madrid's youth ranks and led the senior side to three Champions League titles in a row. He took a dressing room full of stars and egos and channelled it into one footballing machine. If anyone knows how to manage big names, it's him.
And that's part of what the PSG job is. These players aren't there to be developed, per se. Rather, they need to be organised, deployed in the right way by a manager who can cope with the often conflicting interests of megastars.
Zidane, then, is ideal. Add to that his friendly relationship with Qatar, and Zidane seems like the top candidate.
Getty ImagesAntonio Conte
Speaking of characters that will command respect…
As Tottenham have found out, there is no room for negotiation in a Conte dressing room. The Italian became first authoritarian and then toxic in North London, and was sacked after an explosive rant, in which he meticulously picked apart all of the club's faults. That is the negative of Conte. But the positives might be worth it.
The former Chelsea and Inter boss is a brilliant tactician and serial winner. He has excellent records in domestic football, and his tried-and-tested three-centre-back formation should mesh well with PSG's squad.
Perhaps this side needs a no-nonsense character. Conte is the very definition of that. On the pitch, it seems to be a perfect match. If the owners can keep Conte happy off it – and that's a BIG if – then this should all work swimmingly.
ALEJANDRO PAGNI/Getty ImagesMarcelo Gallardo
Gallardo is something of an Argentina legend. He was a fine footballer and a central playmaker for River Plate during three separate spells. After a decorated career, Gallardo was an immense success as River boss, and finished his tenure with 22 titles as a player and coach for the Argentine side.
He also already knows quite a bit about Paris. He spent a combined five years in Ligue 1, playing for both PSG and Monaco. Gallardo also coached against the Parisians in January's high-profile friendly between PSG and Riyadh All-Stars.
That contest was something of a tryout for a manager who has long coveted a move to European football. Gallardo is a master of tactical flexibility, forced to confront the constantly shifting landscape of Argentine football. He wants his teams to play fast, emphasising quick interchanges and verticality.
However, he might not be suited to the top job at Parc des Princes. Gallardo demands a high press from his team – something he might not get from a bashful dressing room. He also lacks European credibility.
But with vocal support from the likes of Pep Guardiola, chances are Gallardo would be a success if he lands a big job on the continent.