Tag: Christophe Galtier

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PSG boss Galtier denies alleged racism remarks

Christophe Galtier

Mueez Ajao

– Paris Saint-Germain coach Christophe Galtier vehemently denied accusations that he made racist and anti-Muslim comments when he was in charge of French league club Nice, adding Wednesday that he would take legal action.

– RMC Sport and other French media published reports quoting a leaked email from Nice’s former director of football Julien Fournier to the club’s owners, in which he accused Galtier of saying there were too many Black and Muslim players in the squad.

– In a statement released by his lawyer to French media, Galtier said he was “stunned to learn of the insulting and defamatory” report and said he would take unspecified legal actions.

Also Read: Messi fires PSG to victory with goal and an assist

– Meanwhile, a prominent group of PSG supporters called for Galtier’s departure if it can be proven that he made the alleged remarks.

– “The Ultras Paris Collective is closely following the Galtier case. If the facts he is accused of are proven, it is not acceptable that this person remains in the organisational chart of the club,” the supporters group said in a statement. “We recall that we have always taken a stand against all forms of discrimination.”

– RMC Sport said Fournier, who was at odds with Galtier during his tenure at Nice, wrote to Ineos director of sports Dave Brailsford to let him know about the details of a conversation he had with the coach.

– Ineos acquired the French league club in 2019 and appointed Galtier as coach in 2021. He spent one season at Nice before joining PSG. Fournier also left the club in 2022 after more than a decade at the club.

– In the leaked email to Brailsford, Fournier allegedly said that Galtier complained in August 2021 that there were too many Black and Muslim players in the team, and that it did not reflect the ethnological profile of the city, which is located on the French Riviera.

– Nice did not respond to a request for comment.

– Speaking from Brazil, Fournier told local newspaper Nice-Matin that he was not responsible for the leaked document.

– “The timing of these revelations revolts me, just as much as their content,” he was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

– Galtier is under pressure at PSG following his team’s poor run of form since the turn of the year. PSG suffered a second straight elimination in the last 16 of the Champions League in March and has seen its lead at the top of the French league standings cut to six points after losing five games in 2023.

– Fournier had previously mentioned serious issues with Galtier during an interview with RMC, saying that the PSG coach would never be able “to enter a locker room again, neither in France nor in Europe” if he explained the reasons behind their dispute.

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Galtier opens up on Mbappe-PSG feud

Mueez Ajao

– Kylian Mbappe has held talks with Paris Saint-Germain after the forward criticised the club for using him in a video to promote season-ticket sales, according to manager Christophe Galtier.

– PSG released a video on Wednesday that featured snippets from an interview with Mbappe, in which he talks about the club and its supporters. It also linked to the ticketing section on the club’s website.

– The 24-year-old fumed on social media and claimed he was not informed by the club on how the interview would be used.

Also Read: Mbappe slams PSG for video posted on social media

– Speaking about the situation in his Friday news conference, Galtier told reporters: “It’s very difficult to comment on, it concerns Kylian and the club.

– “Kylian was in a very good mood this morning, he was smiling, he cut short the training session with hip discomfort, but it will not compromise his participation in the Nice game.

– “I know there have been a lot of discussions between the management and Kylian. The incident, or misunderstanding, has been cleared up.”

– Galtier also said the club’s situation is “not acceptable” after their lead at the top of the table was cut to six points after a run of disappointing results.

– PSG were 10 points ahead in late February but have now lost their past two games in their worst start to a calendar year in 22 years. On Saturday, they visit Nice, who are on a 12-match unbeaten streak, although they drew their last four games.

– Second-placed Lens will be next up for PSG, who have already been eliminated from the Champions League and the French Cup.

– Lens will provisionally move within three points of PSG later on Friday if they beat Strasbourg at home.

– “These are important matches,” Galtier added. “Nice are on a huge unbeaten run since [coach] Didier Digard took over. Then we will be hosting Lens, but first there is Nice.

– “We are all aware that we must do more, including myself. We must also show more personality and have a lot of pride. Our situation is not acceptable. We must not act, but react.”

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PSG manager Galtier offers Mbappe transfer update

Christophe Galtier and Kylian Mbappe

Mueez Ajao

– Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier has said he would not have to “convince” Kylian Mbappe to stay at the club following their Champions League elimination to Bayern Munich this week.

– A disappointed Mbappe refused to discuss his future beyond this season following PSG’s 3-0 aggregate loss in the round of 16 on Wednesday. The 2018 World Cup winner added that while Bayern were a team “built to win the Champions League,” the French champions had produced the “maximum” they could achieve.

– “I do not have to try to convince Kylian [to stay],” Galtier said Friday ahead of PSG’s Ligue 1 match away at Brest on Saturday.

Also Read: Disappointed Mbappe refuses to commit future to PSG after Bayern defeat

– “Kylian has expressed it himself, but if you had asked any player you would have found him in the same state — very disappointed after the elimination.

– “Concerning Kylian, Kylian is a PSG player and he shows it in every game. He has a great determination to succeed and to perform well in order to help bring the club up to as high a level as possible.”

– Mbappe has been a long-term target of Real Madrid and was widely expected to move to the Spanish giants when his contract expired last summer. Instead he signed a new three-year contract to keep him in Paris.

– There has also been speculation over the future of Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos, with both of their contracts set to expire at the end of this season.

– Messi, 35, has been linked with a move to MLS side Inter Miami as well as a return to Barcelona. Ramos, 36, arrived from Real Madrid in 2021 and recently retired from international duty with Spain.

– Galtier, though, said he was relaxed about their current situations.

– “No, there is no doubt that these two great players, with an incredible record of achievements, are capable of dealing with this kind of situation,” he said.

– “They knew from their careers how to win this [Champions League] trophy and they have also experienced eliminations — they are used to it.

– “They are people, very high-level players, who go quickly from one match to another. And concerning their personal situation, their contractual situation, they are people who are used to managing this kind of moment.”

– PSG said on Friday that their Brazilian forward Neymar had successfully undergone surgery on his right ankle. The club announced earlier this week that the injury would keep the 31-year-old sidelined for the rest of the season.

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PSG coach clears up Kimpembe-Mbappe captaincy confusion

Christophe Galtier

Mueez Ajao

– Paris Saint-Germain coach Christophe Galtier has taken responsibility for the confusion that ensued after Kylian Mbappe was named as captain for the team’s Coupe de France match against Pay de Cassel on Monday.

– In the absence of regular captain Marquinhos, Mbappe took the captain’s armband for the first time in his career. Asked to clarify the situation following the game, Galtier said that Mbappe had been vice-captain since the start of the season.

Kylian Mbappe

– Defender Presnel Kimpembe subsequently expressed his surprise at the development on social media. Kimpembe has captained PSG twice this season in the absence of Marquinhos, with Mbappe also in the lineup on both occasions.

Also Read: Mbappe scores five as PSG thump six-tier Pays de Cassel

– Galtier has now clarified that Kimpembe and Mbappe are both vice-captains.

– “It’s a communication error on my part. Everyone was surprised to see Kylian captain in the Coupe de France,” Galtier said at a news conference Friday.

– “Kylian is one of the vice-captains of this group. We have a captain and four vice-captains who are Kimpembe, Marco [Verratti], Kylian and Sergio [Ramos].

– “There is a criterion that I think is important, it’s not only this criterion but also the seniority at the club. When Marquinhos is not there for some reason, choice, injury or suspension, there is another captain.

– “During the match in Lens, there was no Kimpembe, there was no Marco. Marquinhos was on the bench, I decided that it was Kylian.

– “I had a talk with Kimpembe to explain to him what I am explaining to you.”

– Kimpembe has been absent with an Achilles tendon injury since before the 2022 World Cup, though Galtier also said Friday that the centre-back would return to training with the rest of the team in a few days.

– Mbappe scored five goals in a 7-0 win over Pay de Cassel to move within four goals of Edinson Cavani’s all-time scoring record for PSG of 200 goals.

– PSG, who have a three-point lead over Marseille at the top of the standings, will take on Stade de Reims in Ligue 1 on Sunday.

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PSG coach Galtier speaks on Mbappe-Messi relationship after World Cup

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe

Mueez Ajao

– Paris Saint-Germain boss Christophe Galtier denied suggestions of a rift between Lionel Messi and teammate Kylian Mbappe after they faced off in the World Cup final.

– Messi won his maiden World Cup title with Argentina after they beat France 4-2 on penalties following a thrilling 3-3 draw.

– The Argentina captain scored twice while Mbappe became the second player in history to score a hat trick in the men’s World Cup final.

Also Read: Messi to stay with PSG for another year

– Mbappe has already reported back for PSG and is set to feature against Strasbourg on Wednesday. Galtier said Mbappe was “very disappointed” but praised the France forward’s attitude.

– “There is no reason to mix everything up in the relationship between Kylian and Leo [Messi],” Galtier said. “Kylian has a very good attitude having lost the World Cup.

– “When you lose a World Cup final, you have a reason to be very, very disappointed. He was very disappointed, but he knew how to go on and behave, and had a lot of class to congratulate Leo and that’s very good for the club and for the team.”

– Messi will return to PSG at the beginning of January, Galtier said on Tuesday.

– The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will miss PSG’s home league game against Strasbourg on Wednesday and the trip to Lens on Sunday.

– “He [Messi] had to return to Argentina for the celebrations, the receptions and we decided that he was going to be off until Jan. 1,” Galtier said at a news conference.

– “And so he will come and join us, either on the 2nd or the 3rd, to be able to resume competition with us, when he will have had between 13 and 14 days of recovery.”

– Galtier also confirmed Neymar is “fine” after the club closely monitored an ankle injury he sustained at the World Cup.

– “Concerning Ney [Neymar], we have seen his injury, but afterwards he played two games,” Galtier said.

– “The first one on a moderate rhythm, the second one was more intense. He scored a magnificent goal, but then Brazil is eliminated, so he could take care of himself.

– “Above all, there were 12 days of inactivity. Of course, he stayed in Brazil, but the entire medical team stayed around him to take care of his ankle.

– “When he returned here on the Dec. 22, he worked inside. Immediately afterwards he trained outside without restrictions. He is fine on a physical level, his ankle is fine. On a mental level: he really wants to play, that’s a good sign.”

– PSG issued a statement saying defender Presnel Kimpembe will continue his recovery from an Achilles tendon issue for four weeks, while Nuno Mendes could resume training in two weeks after suffering a hamstring injury during the World Cup.

– PSG are top Ligue 1 on 41 points after 15 games, five above second-placed Lens.

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Why Mbappe didn’t pass ball to Neymar – PSG coach

Kylian Mbappe and Neymar Jr

“Yes, there is a situation in a match, but having spoken to Kylian Mbappe yesterday —— and I have also spoken to Ney —- and from the discussion with Kylian Mbappe there were two moments.

”There was the first acceleration when there was possibly a chance to pass the ball, but it was more difficult. The second time was when Kylian Mbappe got into the penalty box and did not see Ney.

“When you see the clip it looks simple, but at the time he had to make a decision. Kylian Mbappe was focused on the ball for shooting.

“I am convinced that Kylian Mbappe will get assists for Neymar, just as Neymar is capable of performing assists for Kylian Mbappe.

“There is nothing else negative about that since that piece of play in the game.”

Kylian Mbappe and Neymar were spoken to privately by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) coach, Christophe Galtier, following their latest on-pitch contretemps.

The PSG forwards have begun the season in fine scoring form, but their relationship has faced intense scrutiny after appearing fractious at times.

It has again come under the microscope after Neymar’s upset reaction to Mbappe ignoring the chance to feed him a pass.

The pass would have enabled him to score with a likely tap-in in the 2-1 UEFA Champions League win over Juventus.

A seemingly sulky Mbappe then did not celebrate a goal of his own, and after the Juventus game Galtier had a familiar topic on his hands once more.

The PSG head coach said on Friday: “The relationship is very good. That is the truth. They are often together in training.

“Yes, there is a situation in a match, but having spoken to Kylian Mbappe yesterday —— and I have also spoken to Ney —- and from the discussion with Kylian Mbappe there were two moments.

”There was the first acceleration when there was possibly a chance to pass the ball, but it was more difficult. The second time was when Kylian Mbappe got into the penalty box and did not see Ney.

“When you see the clip it looks simple, but at the time he had to make a decision. Kylian Mbappe was focused on the ball for shooting.

“I am convinced that Kylian Mbappe will get assists for Neymar, just as Neymar is capable of performing assists for Kylian Mbappe.

“There is nothing else negative about that since that piece of play in the game.”

Neymar has seven goals and six assists from five starts and one substitute appearance in Ligue 1 this season, while Mbappe has seven.

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Mbappe, Neymar fine after PK dispute – PSG coach

Kylian Mbappe

Ajao

– Paris Saint-Germain coach Christophe Galtier has played down suggestions of a rift between star forwards Kylian Mbappe and Neymar after last week’s victory over Montpellier.

– After Mbappe missed a penalty midway through the first half, Neymar grabbed the ball and insisted on taking responsibility when PSG were awarded a second penalty.

– Following a discussion between the two, Neymar took and scored the kick though Mbappe did not celebrate with his teammate. Following the game, Neymar liked some tweets that criticised the choice of Mbappe as the No. 1 penalty taker.

Also Read: Rooney slams Mbappe for disrespecting Messi

– “There is no discomfort, it’s fine,” Galtier said at a news conference ahead of Sunday’s visit to Lille. “Of course, we quickly met the next day to iron out all that and say what we had to say to each other. That’s why there is no malaise and I confirm it with a lot of sincerity, we had a very pleasant week of work where everyone worked to prepare the match against Lille.”

– Sources told that Mbappe didn’t like the way Neymar took the ball immediately for the second penalty. Mbappe was also said to have experienced some off-field problems in the days leading up to the visit of Montpellier that had an impact on his mood during the match.

– As for what happens the next time PSG are awarded a penalty, Galtier said the priority order was always evolving.

– “It can only be evolutionary because it depends on who is on the field at that moment,” he said. “In this match against Montpellier there was a very precise order, shooter number one Kylian, shooter number two Ney. That’s what happened.

– “Afterwards, there is the interpretation that we make when we give an order, what happens when there is a second penalty. Nothing happened on the second penalty, it was very short, there was a discussion, an exchange, a discussion between Ney and Kylian. From the moment Ney felt like taking it, Kylian let Ney take it.”

– While Mbappe opted to turn down an approach from Real Madrid and sign a fresh contract with PSG this summer, Neymar has been strongly linked with a move away from Paris.

– Neymar, though, has made an impressive start to the season, scoring three goals and adding three assists in PSG’s first two Ligue 1 games. And Galtier said he was confident the Brazil international will be staying put.

– “With the transfer window there can always be surprises, there can be lots of surprises,” he said. “I haven’t heard Ney ask to leave, I see him every day in training. He works well, he is performing well in the games he has played with us so far. We don’t have the feeling of a player who is on standby waiting for a transfer.”

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New PSG boss Christophe Galtier shoots down Neymar to Chelsea rumours

Mueez Ajao

– Paris Saint-Germain’s new head coach Christophe Galtier wants Neymar to stay at the club this summer.

– The Brazilian forward was among the players who were booed by PSG supporters towards the end of last season, with many critical about the 30-year-old’s commitment to the club.

– It’s understood that PSG’s hierarchy are keen to offload Neymar this summer and Chelsea have been offered the chance to sign him.

Also Read: PSG hire Christophe Galtier as Pochettino’s replacement

– But Galtier, who officially replaced Mauricio Pochettino as head coach on Tuesday, plans to keep Neymar in his squad.

– ‘He’s one of the best in the world,’ Galtier said at his first press conference.

Neymar Jr in PSG training

– ‘What coach wouldn’t want to have him? I’ve a very clear idea of what I’ll expect from him.

– ‘Of course I want him to stay.’

– Galtier’s comments appear to be at odds with those made by PSG’s president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who cast doubt over Neymar’s future in the French capital during a series of interviews last month.

– ‘Dreams are one thing, reality is another,’ Al-Khelaifi told Le Parisien.

– ‘Perhaps we should change our slogan… dream bigger is good, but today we must be realistic, we don’t want flashy, bling-bling anymore, it’s the end of the glitter.’

– When asked directly about Neymar’s future in an interview with Marca, Al-Khelaifi replied: ‘We can’t talk about it in the media, some will come and some will go, but these are private negotiations.

– ‘We want young, talented, committed players with a winning mentality, people who want to die for this badge.

– ‘We want to be stronger collectively, to play as a team and for the club to be above all.’

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PSG hire Christophe Galtier as Pochettino’s replacement

Mueez Ajao

– Christophe Galtier has been named Paris St-Germain manager after the departure of Mauricio Pochettino.

– Galtier has signed a two-year deal until the summer of 2024.

– He left Nice last month after guiding them to fifth in Ligue 1 and a runner-up finish in the French Cup last season.

Also Read: OFFICIAL: PSG sack Mauricio Pochettino

– The 55-year-old, who led Lille to the Ligue 1 title in 2021, is PSG’s seventh coach since the Qatari takeover of the club in 2011.

– “I am delighted to join Paris Saint-Germain, I would like to thank the chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi, [football advisor] Luis Campos and the club for their confidence in me,” he said.

– “I am fully aware of the responsibilities involved to coach this extraordinary team, which is one of the most competitive and spectacular squads in Europe.”

– Pochettino, 50, leaves PSG after just 18 months in charge having guided them to a record-equalling 10th French title last season, his first league success as a manager.

– The exit of the former Tottenham boss had been expected for almost a month now – but was only announced shortly before Galtier’s appointment was confirmed on Tuesday.

– A club statement read: “Paris Saint-Germain confirm that Mauricio Pochettino has ended his role at the club.

– “The club would like to thank Mauricio Pochettino and his staff for their work and wish them the best for the future.”

– The former PSG defender oversaw an unbeaten home record in the league this season, ending the campaign with 16 wins in 19 games.

– PSG regained the title but their last-16 Champions League exit – with Lionel Messi in the team – was seen as a major failure.

– They squandered a 2-0 aggregate lead in the Champions League against eventual champions Real Madrid to cast a serious question mark over the Argentine’s future.

– It was the first time Les Parisiens, who reached the semi-finals in 2021 and were the beaten finalists in 2020, had lost a Champions League away game after leading at half-time since 2001.

– Pochettino was sacked by Spurs in November 2019 after five years in charge of the Premier League club, months after leading them to the 2019 Champions League final.

– After taking charge of PSG in January last year, they finished second in Ligue 1 behind Galtier’s Lille and were beaten in that year’s Champions League semi-finals by Manchester City.

– However, they won the Coupe de France and the Trophee des Champions, which were the first trophies of Pochettino’s managerial career.

– The former Argentina defender began his managerial career at Espanyol and spent 18 months at Southampton before joining Tottenham in May 2014.