Mauricio Pochettino’s Paris Saint Germain suffered a shock cup exit against Nice after crashing out on penalties.
Looking to win the Coupe de France for a third consecutive season, the Parisians couldn’t find a way past Christophe Galtier’s side in normal time.
With no extra time being played the clash went straight to penalties.
PSG midfielder Leandro Paredes was the first man to miss in the shootout, but Andy Delort followed suit for Nice.
But it was 18-year-old Xavi Simons who missed the decisive spot-kick which allowed Dante to slot home the winner.
Despite starting Lionel Messi and bringing Kylian Mbappe off the bench, Pochettino’s side crashed out at the last-16 stage.
Pochettino would have been well aware that defining success for PSG in each season comes via the club’s performance in the Champions League.
Winning the world’s biggest club competition has alluded the French giants and it is no secret that lifting the coveted trophy is Nasser Al-Khelaïfi’s big dream.
But after crashing out of the Coupe de France and losing against Lille in the Trophee des Champions at the start of the season, Pochettino has next to no margin for error at the Parc des Princes.
He’ll be well aware that unless he wins the Champions League this season, he will likely be relieved of his duties despite seemingly cruising to his first league title in his management career. PSG are currently 11 points clear of Nice at the top of the table.
Reclaiming the Ligue 1 crown on its own is unlikely to be enough for the Argentine to maintain his position.
However, PSG’s latest cup exit will only add to the uncertainty surrounding Pochettino’s long-term future in Paris.
This could potentially play into United’s hands as the Reds search for our next permanent manager whilst interim boss Ralf Rangnick takes the reins until the end of the season.
According to the Athletic, Pochettino will be considered alongside the likes of Erik ten Hag, Luis Enrique and Julen Lopetegui.
Pochettino has extensively been linked with the Manchester United job since the club parted ways with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November.
Although Pochettino’s latest cup exit could prompt questions of his ability to win trophies, if he did fail to deliver the Champions League trophy, he would have won three trophies during his time at PSG – barring a collapse in Ligue 1.
Mauricio Pochettino’s future at PSG hinges on the Champions League and with a blockbuster clash against Real Madrid looming, the path to becoming Manchester United’s next permanent manager could become easier than anticipated.
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