In an interview with GOAL, Mauricio Pochettino took part in a challenge where he had to describe players in one word. He called Neymar a “Magician.” Pochettino also mentioned Messi, describing him as a “Genius.” Even Kylian Mbappe was included and labeled as a “Killer.”

Nevertheless, the biggest surprise came when Pochettino named Marco Verratti the best soccer player he has ever seen. This was surprising because Pochettino had shared a dressing room with Ronaldinho before becoming a coach. He had the opportunity to play alongside and manage some of the game’s greatest talents. That’s why his choice of the Italian midfielder caught many off guard.

Verratti left a lasting legacy at PSG. He became one of the club’s most influential players of the decade. The Italian was among the first signings made after Qatar took ownership of Paris Saint-Germain. Verratti arrived as a promising youngster from the humble Italian club Pescara. Eventually Marco earned the captain’s armband, further cementing his legacy at PSG.

During his time in Europe, top clubs like FC Barcelona showed strong interest in signing him for a massive fee. However, PSG refused to sell him. Then, Verratti became a true symbol of the club playing 276 games for the club.

How Mauricio Pochettino handled coaching Neymar, Messi, and Mbappe?

Mauricio Pochettino took Tottenham to the pinnacle of European soccer, leading them to the Champions League final. However, they fell short, losing to Liverpool. After five years at the club, Pochettino parted ways with Tottenham. Following a two-year break from coaching, Paris Saint-Germain hired him to manage a star-studded squad featuring Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Neymar.

Despite having a luxury attacking trio, Mauricio Pochettino failed to achieve the club’s objective: to win the Champions League. Beyond the titles, his team never managed to perform well. His game did not have a clear identity like the Tottenham he managed. Despite this, Pochettino won three titles in two seasons, his only trophies as a manager.

Mauricio Pochettino earns praise for his impressive work as USMNT coach

Mauricio Pochettino has only coached six games with the USMNT, but his impact is already noticeable. He has suffered just one loss, falling to Mexico, while implementing an impressive attacking style. Despite missing key stars like Yunus Musah, Max Tillman, and Christian Pulisic, he has maximized the talent of young players such as Patrick Agyemang and Matko Miljevic.

The USMNT’s future looks bright, with several young players already competing in Europe and local talent proving they can step up when given the opportunity. While there is still work to be done, the team’s progress under Pochettino is already showing promising results.

The last few years have arguably been the most challenging for Italian soccer. Following their triumph in the 2006 World Cup in Germany, Italy encountered a series of setbacks. First came the disappointments of early eliminations in the group stages of South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014.

However, the nadir was yet to come. Italy failed to qualify for both the 2018 Russia and the upcoming 2022 Qatar World Cups. Amidst these disappointments, a lone success stands out like an oasis in the desert: Euro 2020. Remembering that championship team inevitably brings to mind its illustrious stars, among whom Marco Verratti undoubtedly shone.

Marco Verratti out of Euro 2024

The decision to exclude Verratti is linked to his current situation, being away from the top leagues. He currently plays for the Qatari club Al-Arabi, having previously been with Paris Saint-Germain.

Adding to this, there were reports that the player declined an international call-up, which ultimately influenced Luciano Spalletti‘s decision to omit someone who was a cornerstone of Italy’s heroic conquest at Euro 2020.

“I was very proud to wear the colours of Paris Saint-Germain for more than a decade, to rub shoulders with so many great players, and to win 30 trophies. Paris, the club and its supporters will always have a very special place in my heart. I will be Parisian forever,” the Italian midfielder said, via the club’s website.

Verratti spent wonderful years in the French capital, but now it’s time to say goodbye as PSG are rebuilding their squad. Both Messi and Mbappe reacted to the news with heartfelt messages on social media.

Messi, Mbappe send warm farewell messages to Verratti as he leaves PSG

Even though he’s no longer at the club, Messi dedicated an Instagram post to his former teammate at PSG, wishing him luck in his new chapter. Curiously, Leo shared a picture of them before the Finalissima instead of a photo in a PSG uniform.

Mbappe, meanwhile, bid farewell to Verratti through an emotional Instagram story. “An exceptional player and person. Having the privilege of being by your side all these years has been an immense pleasure. Your time here will never be forgotten or neglected. One of the best players I have seen. Thank you my friend, I will miss you a lot.”

How long has Marco Verratti played for PSG?

Marco Verratti spent 11 years at Paris Saint-Germain, making 416 appearances with their uniform.

The Frenchman could have become the highest-paid athlete on Earth after Paris Saint-Germain accepted a €300 million bid from the Riyadh-based outfit, who were reportedly ready to pay Mbappe a €200m annual salary that could go up to €700m with commercial deals and image rights.

However, the 24-year-old has seemingly rejected to even discuss a move to the Gulf State. But according to Fabrizio Romano, that didn’t prevent Al-Hilal from landing another PSG star.

Report: Al-Hilal agree on terms with PSG star Marco Verratti

The transfer market expert reported on Wednesday that Al-Hilal is closing in on an agreement with Paris Saint-Germain for the signing of Italian midfielder Marco Verratti on a three-year deal.

While signing Mbappe may have been the top priority, this is still a great move for the Saudi Pro League. Al-Hilal have already landed the likes of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Ruben Neves and Malcom this summer.

After more than a decade in the French capital, Verratti would be ready to pack his bags and join the list of world-renowned superstars who took their talents to Saudi Arabia ahead of the 2023-24 season.

Lionel Scaloni‘s men head into this game in high spirits. Not only they have won a long-awaited continental title in 2021, but they also made their way to the next FIFA World Cup in great fashion. The Azzurra, on the other hand, suffered a huge blow by missing out on a ticket to Qatar.

On top of that, Roberto Mancini’s side will not be at full strength for this game. In addition to the absences of Ciro Immobile, Lorenzo Insigne, and Federico Chiesa, the Italians will also miss Marco Verratti.

Why is Marco Verratti not playing for Italy vs. Argentina in the Finalissima?

The PSG star is the latest casualty for the CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions. Before him, Mancini already knew he would miss three out of the 11 players who started in the Euro 2020 final.

Argentine journalistVeronica Brunati reportedduring the week that Marco Verratti was injured and therefore couldn’t train with the rest of his teammates ahead of the Finalissima. Therefore, he will watch the game from the sidelines.