PSG to give Tuchel contract extension despite Man United failure – sources

French Ligue 1, Leagues, Paris Saint-Germain, Story
PSG correspondent Julien Laurens calls PSG’s capitulation to Manchester United worse than when they lost a 4-goal lead to Barcelona 2 seasons ago.
Julien Laurens believes PSG’s win at Old Trafford is evidence of Thomas Tuchel’s ability to prepare his players and win tactical battles.

Thomas Tuchel will sign a contract extension with PSG in the next few weeks, sources have told ESPN FC.

The German coach penned a two-year deal with the French champions last summer, and an optional third one was included.

PSG have decided to trigger this additional year and the paperwork for the extended deal — which would tie Tuchel to the French giants until 2021 — has already been prepared.

Les Parisiens took the decision a few weeks ago and the humiliating defeat against Manchester United in the Champions League last-16 second leg last week has not changed anything.

PSG want Tuchel’s stay to be longterm and the move is seen as another step towards that end.

Despite the United nightmare, the capital club’s Qatari owners and the directors in Paris are happy with the work done by the former Borussia Dortmund and Mainz 05 coach — off the pitch as well as on it.

Tuchel, 45, has added a new tactical dimension to the team, as well as forging a strong relationship with his dressing room which especially includes Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

Sources say PSG feel that Tuchel’s image, in terms of personality and communication, as well as the values that he transmits, are exactly what they want from their coach.

After 18 months of Carlo Ancelotti and three years of Laurent Blanc, as well as two seasons of Unai Emery, Tuchel is very good match for the club and that is why they are offering him a new deal.

PSG believe that the team has progressed under Tuchel, despite more Champions League heartbreak, and they are confident that he will move the club forward in the coming years.

Unsurprisingly, Chairman and CEO Nasser Al-Khelaifi backed his coach immediately after the United shock, saying “I have faith in him.”

Despite unexpected Champions League and Coupe de la Ligue exits, Tuchel is enjoying his first season with PSG and very much sees himself at the club longterm.

“I want to stay here for a long time, grow and have success with this club,” he said on Monday. “That is clear for me.”

Tuchel’s maiden campaign has been a rollercoaster of emotions, with recruitment issues both last summer and in January, a tough Champions League group stage, the toxic Adrien Rabiot case, Neymar’s latest injury and fantastic league form but inexplicable defeats to both United and Guingamp (Coupe de la Ligue).

Nevertheless, Tuchel knows and acknowledges the merits of the PSG project, as well as its potential for copious success, trophies and, ultimately, glory.

Sources have indicated to ESPN FC that Tuchel could sign his new deal during the upcoming international break, or once PSG have wrapped up the Ligue 1 title — possibly as early as next month.

On the other hand, Tuchel’s new contract is not good news for PSG sporting director Antero Henrique as the two men do not get on and do not agree very often.

It looks more and more unlikely that the Portuguese will still be at the club next season, as sources told ESPN FC earlier this year.

Should Henrique’s departure be confirmed, sources say Tuchel would then be heavily involved in the choice of his replacement — strengthening his position even more.

ESPN FC PSG correspondent Jonathan Johnson and France correspondent Julien Laurens contributed to this report.

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