Mauricio Roberto Pochettino Trossero (born 2 March 1972 in Murphy, Santa Fe) is a former Argentine football central defender, and the current coach of RCD Espanyol.

[edit] Club career

Pochettino started his professional career with Newell's Old Boys, moving to RCD Espanyol in Spain in 1994-95, as the Catalonians had just returned to the topflight. He was an undisputed starter in his six 1/2 season spell, helping the club to the 2000 Spanish Cup.

In January 2001, Pochettino moved to Paris Saint-Germain FC: he was also a regular starter during his stay, and moved for 2003-04 to fellow league outfit FC Girondins de Bordeaux. However, he returned to Espanyol (initially on loan^[1]) midway through his first year^[2]for two 1/2 more seasons, still being regularly used except for his last one, and wrapping up his career with another King's Cup.^[3]

[edit] Coaching career

In late January 2009, Pochettino became Espanyol's third coach in 2008-09, with the side then ranking third from bottom,^[4]but eventually finishing the season comfortably placed (10th), after inclusively having asked for "divine intervention".^[5]He coached nine club players who were his teammates during his last season and, in early June, renewed his link for a further three years.

[edit] International career

Pochettino played for Argentina 20 times during four years, and was a participant at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, playing three complete matches as the nation exited in the group stage.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• BDFutbol profile
• L'Équipe stats (French)
• NationalFootballTeams data

v • d • e Argentina squad – 1999 Copa América 1 Burgos • 2 Ayala • 3 Sorín • 4 Ibarra • 5 Simeone • 6 Samuel • 7 Barros Schelotto • 8 Zanetti • 9 Palermo • 10 Ortega • 11 López • 12 Bizzarri • 13 Vivas • 14 Pochettino • 15 Berizzo • 16 Guglielminpietro • 17 Husaín • 18 Cagna • 19 Calderón • 20 Aimar • 21 González • 22 Riquelme • Coach: Bielsa

v • d • e Argentina squad – 2002 FIFA World Cup 1 Burgos • 2 Ayala • 3 Sorín • 4 Pochettino • 5 Almeyda • 6 Samuel • 7 C. López • 8 Zanetti • 9 Batistuta • 10 Ortega • 11 Verón • 12 Cavallero • 13 Placente • 14 Simeone • 15 Husaín • 16 Aimar • 17 G. López • 18 González • 19 Crespo • 20 Gallardo • 21 Caniggia • 22 Chamot • 23 Bonano • Coach: Bielsa

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