German coach Thomas Tuchel has been sacked by PSG on Christmas Eve

Pre-game, Tuchel had given an interview in his homeland in which he was quoted as saying he had, at times, felt more like "a sports politician or sports minister than a coach" during his tenure.

After the win over Strasbourg, he had attempted to clarify those comments to Canal+.

"I didn't say it's more about politics than sport, nor that I lost the fun of training. This is not true.. It is possible they translated incorrectly.

"Watch the video interview. I just said that PSG are unique and that it's a big challenge for me. It's always been like that.

"I like this challenge and nothing has changed."

Asked for a second time about the remark, he added: "I gave a video interview to a journalist who told me to do a story about German coaches.

"It is not an interview for him. It is not allowed. I was making a joke in German. The translation is not correct. We cannot translate word for word.

"It was a joke while we were talking and it is not allowed."

Now however Tuchel, whose time in the French capital hadn't been without incident - notably in-fighting between he and former sporting director Antero Henrique, and current incumbent Leonardo - has been dismissed.

Former Tottenham manager Pochettino, sidelined since his Spurs exit 13 months ago, is set to return to PSG, where the Argentine spent two years as a player.

In November Pochettino discussed his readiness to return to management, declaring on Monday Night Football: "I am always ready to go again and be involved in the game."