January 3, 2021 - HeadtoHeadFootball

Soccer

Pochettino finally unveiled as new Paris Saint-Germain head coach

Poch is back.

Mauricio Pochettino was confirmed as the new head coach of Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday – nine days after reports surfaced stating he was set to succeed Thomas Tuchel at the team’s helm.

The Argentine tactician signed a contract through June 2022 at the Parc des Princes, with an option for an additional year. Pochettino captained PSG during his playing career.

“I have wonderful memories, especially of the unique atmosphere of the Parc des Princes,” Pochettino told the club website. “I return to the club today with a lot of ambition and humility, and am eager to work with some of the world’s most talented players.”

Tottenham Hotspur dismissed Pochettino in November 2019. The 48-year-old led the north London club to the Champions League final just 171 days before his sacking but paid the price for a disappointing start to the 2019-20 season. Spurs were positioned 14th in the Premier League table and were humiliated by a 7-2 home defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League group stage.

However, through his time in the English capital, he established Spurs among the Premier League’s elite and was widely credited for his attacking, high-pressing style of play. His holistic approach also drew praise during his previous stints in charge of Espanyol (2009-2012) and Southampton (2013-2014).

He is yet to collect a trophy in his managerial career.

Pochettino’s first match in the PSG dugout will be Wednesday’s Ligue 1 trip to Saint-Etienne. His Champions League return is set for Feb. 16, when PSG travel to Barcelona for the first leg of the teams’ last-16 tilt.

NFL

Sources: Eagles DC Schwartz taking year off

PHILADELPHIA — Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz intends to take the year off from coaching in 2021 as he contemplates retirement, sources told ESPN.

Philadelphia will be in the market for a new defensive coordinator as it embarks on what promises to be an offseason full of significant change for the 4-10-1 team.

Schwartz, 54, intends to let his contract expire. He has had a couple of minor procedures over the past year-plus, including hip and eye surgeries, and believes stepping back from the daily grind of coaching would be in his best interest, a source said.

He also took a year sabbatical in 2015 after being let go as Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator and worked with the NFL’s officiating department in a consulting position.

Schwartz joined Doug Pederson’s staff in 2016 and helped deliver the city its first Super Bowl title a year later. The Eagles’ defense finished No. 1 against the run and fourth in points allowed (18.4) during the championship run in 2017. Schwartz’s unit gave up 17 total points in playoff wins against the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings prior to the 41-33 Super Bowl shootout against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

The Eagles ranked among the top 10 in rushing defense (1st, 93.4 YPG), red zone defense (2nd, 49.5%), third-down defense (3rd, 35.4%), scoring defense (7th, 20.8 PPG) and takeaways (9th, 94) over his first four seasons.

Known best for allowing his defensive linemen to pin their ears back and attack, the Eagles are in the top five in sacks in 2020.

Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is stepping away from the team next season as he contemplates his coaching future, sources told ESPN. John Jones/Icon Sportswire

Issues have crept in over the past two seasons in particular, however. An Achilles’ heel last season was the defense’s propensity to give up the big play, yielding 15 plays of 40-plus yards through the air, second worst in the NFL. In 2020, the group struggled to generate turnovers and entered Week 17 with the second-fewest interceptions (six).

Schwartz’s unit was once again hit hard by injuries, with