Mauricio Pochettino
Encyclopedia
Mauricio Roberto Pochettino Trossero (born 2 March 1972 in Murphy, Santa Fe
) is a retired Argentine
footballer who played as a central defender, and the current coach of RCD Espanyol
.
, moving to RCD Espanyol
in Spain
in 1994–95, as the Catalans
had just returned to La Liga
. 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) midway through his first year for two 1/2 more seasons, still being regularly used except for his last one
, and wrapping up his career, aged 34, with another King's Cup. In his two spells combined, he appeared in nearly 300 official matches for the club.
In late January 2009, Pochettino became Espanyol's third coach in 2008–09, with the side then ranking third from bottom, but eventually finishing the season comfortably placed (10th), after the coach inclusively asked for "divine intervention". 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.
In the 2009–10 season
, Pochettino once again led Espanyol to a comfortable league position, in a campaign where club symbol (and his former teammate) Raúl Tamudo
fell completely out of favour in the squad's rotation, even more after the January 2010 arrival of manager compatriot Pablo Osvaldo
.
On 28 September 2010, he extended his contract with the club for one more year, until 30 June 2012.
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.
In the second match against England
, he brought down Michael Owen
in the box. The resulting penalty
was converted by David Beckham
, for the game's only goal.
Murphy, Santa Fe
Murphy is a town in the General López Department of the Santa Fe Province, Argentina.-Sports clubs:* Club Cento Recreativo Unión y Cultura* Club Agrario Los Leones* Social y Deportivo Murphy Football Club-External links:...
) is a retired Argentine
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
footballer who played as a central defender, and the current coach of RCD Espanyol
RCD Espanyol
Reial Club Deportiu Espanyol de Barcelona is a sports club based in Barcelona, Spain. It is best known for its football team. Espanyol currently play in the Estadi Cornellà-El Prat with seats for 40,500 spectators. It was inaugurated on 2 August 2009...
.
Club career
Pochettino started his professional career with Newell's Old BoysNewell's Old Boys
Club Atlético Newell's Old Boys is an Argentine sports club based in Rosario. The club was founded on November 3, 1903, and is named after Isaac Newell, one of the pioneers of Argentine football...
, moving to RCD Espanyol
RCD Espanyol
Reial Club Deportiu Espanyol de Barcelona is a sports club based in Barcelona, Spain. It is best known for its football team. Espanyol currently play in the Estadi Cornellà-El Prat with seats for 40,500 spectators. It was inaugurated on 2 August 2009...
in Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
in 1994–95, as the Catalans
Catalonia
Catalonia is an autonomous community in northeastern Spain, with the official status of a "nationality" of Spain. Catalonia comprises four provinces: Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, and Tarragona. Its capital and largest city is Barcelona. Catalonia covers an area of 32,114 km² and has an...
had just returned to La Liga
La Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
. He was an undisputed starter in his six 1/2 season spell, helping the club to the 2000 Spanish Cup
Copa del Rey
The Copa del Rey is an annual football cup competition for Spanish football teams. Its full name is Campeonato de España – Copa de Su Majestad el Rey de Fútbol ....
.
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
Ligue 1
Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
outfit FC Girondins de Bordeaux
FC Girondins de Bordeaux
Football Club des Girondins de Bordeaux is a French association football club based in the city of Bordeaux. The club currently play in Ligue 1, the first division of French football, and won its last Ligue 1 title in the 2008–09 season....
. However, he returned to Espanyol (initially on loan) midway through his first year for two 1/2 more seasons, still being regularly used except for his last one
2005–06 La Liga
* Athletic Bilbao* Atlético Madrid* FC Barcelona* Betis* Cádiz CF* Celta de Vigo* Deportivo Alaves* Deportivo de La Coruña* Espanyol* Getafe CF* Málaga CF* RCD Mallorca* CA Osasuna* Racing de Santander* Real Madrid* Real Sociedad* Sevilla FC...
, and wrapping up his career, aged 34, with another King's Cup. In his two spells combined, he appeared in nearly 300 official matches for the club.
In late January 2009, Pochettino became Espanyol's third coach in 2008–09, with the side then ranking third from bottom, but eventually finishing the season comfortably placed (10th), after the coach inclusively asked for "divine intervention". 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.
In the 2009–10 season
2009–10 La Liga
- Personnel and sponsoring :- Before the start of the season :- During the season :-League table:||rowspan=1 style="background-color:#F9F9F9;"|||rowspan=1 style="background-color:#F9F9F9;"|...
, Pochettino once again led Espanyol to a comfortable league position, in a campaign where club symbol (and his former teammate) Raúl Tamudo
Raúl Tamudo
Raúl Tamudo Montero is a Spanish footballer who currently plays for Rayo Vallecano as a striker....
fell completely out of favour in the squad's rotation, even more after the January 2010 arrival of manager compatriot Pablo Osvaldo
Pablo Daniel Osvaldo
Pablo Daniel Osvaldo is an Argentine-born Italian footballer, who plays as a striker for Serie A club for Roma.-Club career:...
.
On 28 September 2010, he extended his contract with the club for one more year, until 30 June 2012.
International career
Pochettino played for ArgentinaArgentina national football team
The Argentina national football team represents Argentina in association football and is controlled by the Argentine Football Association , the governing body for football in Argentina. Argentina's home stadium is Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti and their head coach is Alejandro...
20 times during four years, and was a participant at the 2002 FIFA World Cup
2002 FIFA World Cup
The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup, held in South Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June. It was also the first World Cup held in Asia, and the last in which the golden goal rule was implemented. Brazil won the tournament for a record fifth time, beating Germany 2–0...
, playing three complete matches as the nation exited in the group stage.
In the second match against England
England national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
, he brought down Michael Owen
Michael Owen
Michael James Owen is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for Manchester United.The son of former footballer Terry Owen, Owen began his senior career at Liverpool in 1996. He progressed through the Liverpool youth team and scored on his debut in May 1997...
in the box. The resulting penalty
Penalty kick
A penalty kick is a type of direct free kick in association football, taken from twelve yards out from goal and with only the goalkeeper of the defending team between the penalty taker and the goal.Penalty kicks are performed during normal play...
was converted by David Beckham
David Beckham
David Robert Joseph Beckham, OBE is an English footballer who plays midfield for Los Angeles Galaxy in Major League Soccer, having previously played for Manchester United, Preston North End, Real Madrid, and A.C...
, for the game's only goal.