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When a star-studded PSG fired Thomas Tuchel before the turn of the year, it came as a shock to many football fans across Europe. After all, the German manager had taken Paris Saint-Germain to the first Champions League final in the club's history only a few months earlier.
Notably, Tuchel left for Stamford Bridge and would carry Chelsea to win the Champions League.
A new figure emerged at the start of the year in the form of Tottenham's former manager Mauricio Pochettino. Since his appointment at the helm of the Parisian club, the Argentine has managed 46 games and lost nine.
This season, PSG have lost just once, a Ligue 1 game against Stade Rennais. As good as his stats seem, they're worse than Thomas Tuchel's. The German manager notably lost only four games in his first 46 games at PSG.
However, Tuchel did not have what Mauricio Pochettino currently has at his disposal: the attacking trio of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, and Lionel Messi. PSG's remarkable recruitment this summer has also infused the club with key defensive stalwarts like Achraf Hakimi, Sergio Ramos and Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The PSG outfit look set to win the Champions League on paper, but results tell a different story. Aside from the occasional burst of brilliance, the team is struggling to find their balance and cohesiveness on the field. The new players arguably need some time to gel with the team and fully adapt to Pochettino's tactics before any real fireworks occur.
However, there are a few existing PSG players who have used this slightly turbulent period to improve under Pochettino's management. Will the Argentine manager revert to those players who have exceeded expectations under him in recent weeks? Or will he stick to a sub-par group that has struggled to win games in style?
Only time will tell.
But let's take a look at four such players who have performed well and improved for PSG under Mauricio Pochettino, starting with Ander Herrera, who has won the manager's accolades in recent weeks.
#4 Ander Herrera | Midfielder, PSG
While ex-Liverpool star Georginio Wijnaldum has struggled to make a massive impact for PSG, Ander Herrera has found great form. The former Manchester United star has impressed with his dedication and consistency, and Mauricio Pochettino has sung his praises in recent weeks.
The 32-year-old has already surpassed his efforts last season, where he had only four goal contributions in 41 games. With a great return of six goal contributions in 10 appearances this season, the manager will be hard-pressed to keep giving the star more game time.
#3 Marco Verratti | Midfielder, PSG
After a brilliant performance chasing down Manchester City players and helping his side keep a clean sheet in their last Champions League outing, Marco Verratti has clearly improved under Pochettino's management. Despite returning from an injury spell on the sidelines, the Italian international had all the stamina in the world and easily kept up with City's high pressing in the first third.
Pochettino discussed the 28-year-old's style of play, stating that Verratti's ability to revive attacks under pressure and carry the ball forward was important to the team. The star has only played four games due to injury, but Pochettino will expect to see more from him in the coming months.
#2 Abdou Diallo | Left-back, PSG
With Juan Bernat injured and out on the sidelines, Abdou Diallo has taken over the left-back position. Layvin Kurzawa, the only other contender, has had a very poor run of performances under Pochettino, and the manager would rather field 19-year-old Nuno Mendes as Diallo's cover.
Abdou Diallo's natural style of play as a central defender hasn't stopped him from showing great performances down the flanks as a left-back. He's tackling the ball more often, supporting during attacks, and dribbling with the ball more efficiently as well.
In many ways, the 25-year-old Senegalese international complements right-back Achraf Hakimi perfectly. While Hakimi freely marauds down his flank, driving into the final third with freedom, Diallo provides an important defensive balance by not veering too far into the final third. This has helped Pochettino's side maintain some structure against counter attacks from opposing teams.
#1 Idrissa Gueye | Midfielder, PSG
The last time Idrissa Gueye scored four goals in a season, Messi won the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona. With his vibrant start to the season, however, the 32-year-old defensive midfielder has managed four goals in just seven games.
Seeing as PSG key marksman Kylian Mbappe is also on four goals as well, it's a testament to just how much Gueye's goalscoring abilities have improved under Mauricio Pochettino's management.
The Senegalese star hasn't neglected his defensive responsibilities either, having made five important tackles during the Manchester City game where he added his name to the scoresheet. Pochettino has had a lot of praise for Gueye in recent weeks, noting the balance that the defensive midfielder brings to the game.
Idrissa Gueye's passing accuracy has also improved as well, and fans of the Parisian giants will hope that his performances in both offensive and defensive plays won't falter in the coming weeks. Pochettino, as well, will hope that these impressive performances continue.
