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Ligue 1: The PSG puzzle: Neymar, Messi, Mbapp, Ramos, Keylor…

Christophe Galtier has entered the Parque de los Prncipes with force. “I am aware of this challenge, I know what I am facing and I feel capable. There is no better place than Paris Saint-Germain to win,” said the former Nice coach in his presentation.

At his debut in Paris, Galtier presented his roadmap. “No one is going to be above the team. I want to be demanding and determined to have the best possible season. The one that is not at the service of the group will be discarded, but it will be done internally. It’s the team first and foremost”, he affirmed.

And so the PSG puzzle has begun to fit together… although some pieces are still ‘loose’.

They are 1-3-4-1-2

The 1-4-4-2 was non-negotiable for Galtier at St-tienne, Lille and Nice. Everything changed when he arrived in Paris. “Before the system, I want to see the intensity, steal quickly, the pressure… We have talked about a defense of three, but we have time to see it. You win more when you play well. Compared to my previous clubs, there will be a different approach. PSG often have possession. We will have to be able to attack well and maintain the right balance”, explained the coach.

We will use this season the 1-3-4-1-2. We played two games with him and we also work on him every day in training. There is an adaptation time

Christophe Galtier, PSG coach

The three centrals have been the ones used from the start by Galtier in friendlies against Quevilly (2-0) and Kawasaki Frontale (2-1). In the premiere on the tour in Japan, in addition, he placed an eleven that ‘smells’ of starting [ver imagen]. “We will use this system this season (1-3-4-1-2). We played two games with him and we also work on it every day in training. There is an adaptation time,” he stressed. The blackboard is already painted.

The fit of Neymar… and Messi

With Mbapp renewed until 2025 and as leader of the Parisian project, Galtier is accommodating Messi and Neymar in his attack. “How can I not count on him! He’s a world-class footballer. You have to have a balance, but I’m clear about what I want from him and I’m sure he’ll stay,” said the coach about the Brazilian. This preseason, ‘Ney’ has shared an attacking duo with Kylian… with Messi in the midfield: “I know where they can be comfortable. They are players who have that ability to find themselves between the lines and be decisive.” The ‘MNM’ will continue to be key at PSG… but in a different way.

The adaptation of Sergio Ramos

The Spanish centre-back has been a starter in PSG’s first two pre-season games. Occupying the right side of the Parisian central three defence, with Marquinhos in the center and Diallo and Kimpembe on the left, Ramos has been important… and even scored a penalty against Quevilly! Having overcome his injuries, the former Real Madrid player is adapting to a new system for him. He wants to be a starter and important this season in Paris.

Donnarumma or Keylor Navas?

Galtier has encountered the same ‘problem’ as Pochettino. Who will occupy the goal? Donnarumma and Keylor Navas compete again to be the starting goal. “I have to talk to both of them. There may be a ‘1’ and a ‘2’ and change throughout the season,” assured the French coach. For now, in the two friendlies, Donnarumma has started playing the ‘tico’ the second half against Quevilly and Sergio Rico the second act against Kawasaki Frontale. In the next friendly (Urawa Red Diamonds), Keylor will have a large part of the minutes, according to Galtier.

Transfers and departures

There is a lot of traffic at PSG. Louis Fields is having a busy summer on the sports field. To the signings of Vitinha (41.5 million euros from Porto), Nuno Mendes (38 from Sporting CP) and Ekitike (loan with option to buy from Reims) those from Mukiele (RB Leizpzig), Renato Sanches (Lille), Skriniar (Inter)…

What would Galtier’s new PSG be like?

And on the exit ramp, once Areola (West Ham), Bulka (Nice), Di Mara (Juventus), Simons (PSV) and Dagba (Strasbourg) have left, there are Paredes, Diallo, Wijnaldum, Icardi, Kurzawa , Ander Herrera, Draxler… segn ‘L’Equipe’ y ‘Le Parisien’. “You have to reduce the squad. You can’t have players who almost never play”warned Galtier. They are on it.

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