5 candidates for the PSG manager job

After two seasons in charge, Unai Emery's job security looks increasingly weak
After two seasons in charge, Unai Emery's job is up in the air after their latest Champions League failure

Despite being 17 points clear at the top of Ligue 1, this season will ultimately be seen as another disappointing one for Paris Saint-Germain - having been knocked out of the UEFA Champions League at the last-16 stage by defending champions Real Madrid.

Ever since their lucrative takeover, the Parisians' main aim has been to prove their quality as Europe's elite in the Champions League with a trophy aloft in May. After two failed attempts, it looks increasingly likely that Unai Emery will be relieved of his managerial duties at the end of the campaign.

Given the immense amounts of money on offer from PSG owners, it will not be hard to find plenty of top-quality managers interested in the project in Paris, so here are five possible managers who could be brought in at the Parc des Princes this summer.

#5 Arsene Wenger (Arsenal)

Arsene Wenger - Then and Now 20 Years at Arsenal
After over 20 years at the helm, Arsenal boss Arsene could be ready for a return to his homeland

This would be an appointment which could benefit both parties given the circumstances. For all his success, many Arsenal fans believe Wenger's days at the helm should've ended a few seasons ago - while PSG themselves were heavily linked with a formal approach for the Frenchman in the past.

Despite the unrelenting levels of criticism that he's absorbed in recent years, Wenger knows fully well that there are clubs across Europe who would love to benefit from his wealth of knowledge and ability, where the Ligue 1 giants come into play.

For one, France's top-flight wouldn't be a new experience for the 68-year-old, as his first two managerial jobs were in his home country with Nancy and current champions AS Monaco.

During his time with the latter, Wenger steered them to the title (Division 1 as it was then known), before moving onto Arsenal. The main problem that he has faced in north London, particularly following their stadium move to the Emirates, is the lack of investment from the club's hierarchy to rival competitors in the transfer market.

This would definitely not be an issue should he take the PSG job, as he'd have endless funds available to sign top players with. His appointment might be met with yet more criticism, as he's only reached the UEFA Champions League final once - a 2-1 defeat by Barcelona in 2006 - but naturally, he's competed in Europe's elite club competition for two decades so knows the tournament like the back of his hand.

With better players, more wealth and further freedom in charge, it would be fascinating to see how Wenger would fare as PSG boss both domestically and among Europe's elite.

#4 Mauricio Pochettino (Tottenham)

Tottenham Hotspur v Borussia Dortmund - UEFA Champions League
Pochettino has turned Spurs from top-four challengers into genuine title contenders

From one side of north London to the other, this is a manager who will be sought after by many of Europe's big boys over the next few seasons, especially if he continues to replicate the success he has had thus far at Tottenham.

On a tight budget at Spurs, Pochettino has done wonders by turning them into genuine title contenders as well as a force to be reckoned with in the Champions League.

With youngsters like Harry Kane and Dele Alli coming to the fore over the past few seasons for last term's runners-up, it highlights the quality of their Argentine boss when integrating young talent into a side. He has assembled a well-oiled machine at Wembley, with players that would not have been seen as European starters a few years ago proving their critics wrong in style. With the financial backing at PSG, the 46-year-old would be well-equipped to put together an even stronger side with strength in depth too.

His head could easily be turned by the Ligue 1 leaders as it is understood that his wage, just like that of his key players, is nowhere near that of some direct rivals. He used to play for Paris Saint-Germain too back at the beginning of the 21st century, having made over 70 appearances during his three-year stint in Paris - representing a place that he naturally still has close to his heart.

#3 Rafa Benitez (Newcastle)

Benitez and his then-captain, Steven Gerrard, lifting the Champions League aloft after their win in 2005
Benitez and his then-captain, Steven Gerrard,lifting the Champions League aloft after their win in 2005

This one may come as a surprise to some people, but here me out: Rafa Benitez is undoubtedly still a manager who can perform at one of Europe's best sides. The Spanish boss might currently be in charge at Premier League club Newcastle, but his experience at Liverpool alone would be enough to justify an appointment at a side fighting in either the Champions or Europa League.

The man who masterminded the greatest Champions League comeback of all-time against arguably the best European side in recent years, the 57-year-old will not have lost his expertise and would equally add some much needed big-game experience to PSG's coaching ranks.

He won the UEFA Europa League with Chelsea during a short stint in west London and it's clear that despite succeeding with Newcastle in recent seasons, he's eager to return among the big boys. A clear difference in opinions over financial backing on Tyneside means it could be an easy acquisition for PSG to complete, if they manage to convince him that joining them would prove beneficial in the long run.

Despite younger alternatives also being available, Benitez certainly should not be overlooked for the job. A fantastic man-manager with plenty of knowledge, he'd be an excellent addition in Paris.

#2 Luis Enrique (Unattached)

Enrique was in charge at Barcelona during a memorable treble in 2014/15, where he also won the Champions League
Enrique was Barcelona boss during their treble in 2014/15, where he also won the Champions League

Continuously linked with the managerial job at Chelsea, Luis Enrique would be an astute appointment for the soon-to-be Ligue 1 champions. During his spell in charge at Barcelona, he proved that he was capable of producing top performances in more competitions than just Spain's top-flight.

In the 2014/15 campaign, he completed the treble, bringing the La Liga title, Copa del Rey and Champions League title back to the Camp Nou after an incredible campaign.

It's no secret that the former Real Madrid and Barcelona player had the benefit of some of the world's best players in Catalonia at the time - the fearsome attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Súarez and Neymar were flourishing, but he crucially still managed to provide consistent results and trophies too. Silverware is what the PSG hierarchy are craving and on the back of his break from football management, Enrique can deliver that.

Not only would he provide success, but equally an attractive brand of football in addition to a mix between youthful exuberance and individual brilliance. If given the chance, he could continue to achieve success in Paris.

#1 Zinedine Zidane (Real Madrid)

Juventus v Real Madrid - UEFA Champions League Final
Zidane holding the Champions League trophy aloft after their 4-1 win over Juventus last summer

For a large majority of PSG fans and players alike, this would be seen as the dream appointment. A French footballing idol and top manager, Zinedine Zidane is undoubtedly capable of taking over in the hot seat at the Parc des Princes.

Not only is he a blockbuster name, he's already a master when it comes to winning the Champions League. During his two years in management, the legendary midfielder has won the trophy on both occasions and is looking to defend it once more as his Real Madrid side face another of his former sides, Juventus, in next month's quarter-finals.

When the 45-year-old talks, everyone listens. This would be a key aspect in earning the players' respect from the offset, if he were to be appointed in the French capital.

Unlike a handful of the aforementioned managers, Zizou has had the benefit of a large transfer pot in his current job and utilised it effectively. His name alone would be enough to attract players of the highest calibre and amidst talk of Neymar angling for a move away, it would be interesting to see the impact that Zidane might have on the whole situation.

As one of the world's best managers, Zidane should definitely be considered on PSG's managerial shortlist this summer - doing everything they can to persuade him into signing a deal would not be a bad idea either. After all, he's the man who just ruined their dreams of a Champions League trophy for another twelve months.

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Edited by Mosope Ominiyi