A Champions Trophy in the bag after a great outing against Nantes (4-0) in Tel Aviv (Israel) then a brilliant entry in Clermont (0-5) in Ligue 1, Christophe Galtier’s PSG succeeded in their first not. Two days before facing Montpellier, this Saturday (9 p.m.), for his first outing at the Parc des Princes, the former Nice coach dreams of continuing the state of grace.
With the return of Kylian Mbappé, does it pose a problem for you to integrate him alongside Messi and Neymar?
CHRISTOPHER GALTIER. There is no difficulty in integrating it. Do you realize the privilege for a coach to be able to count on Kylian in this attacking trio? It is a great privilege. He was certainly disturbed in his preparation, he finally had little playing time in the preparation matches because there was the objective of preparing the team as well as possible for the Champions Trophy. He doesn’t have a lot of minutes in his legs but he’s in good shape. The little discomfort he had completely disappeared with the care put in place. He came back very dynamic this week. I also worked a lot on the associations throughout the week. I watched a lot of what he did last season in different patterns, different offensive animations. They are used to playing together, all three. They perform very well. Currently, Ney and Leo, who have done all the preparation, who also have two 90-minute matches, are a little more on the pace. I have no fear that Kylian will be up to speed quickly. Afterwards, over the duration of the match, we will see. They usually. I have no worries on that side. They know how to play for each other. It’s a big added bonus to have Kylian with us.
How did the guards accept the hierarchy that you put in place?
My position has been very clear. I wanted to be transparent by naming Gigio (Donnarumma) number 1 and Keylor number 2. I can’t judge if Keylor is better or not. I have no benchmark. The training sessions are going well between each other. Gigio seems fulfilled to me and that’s normal. It is much more difficult for Keylor but he is a great professional. I made this choice but after it is the performance that will decide. As to whether Keylor accepts number 2. No, thankfully. I know he has solicitations.
You’ve been training Messi for a month. Does it still surprise you?
How to answer this question? When you have won, he is a very great professional and he confirms it. He is smiling, he exchanges with his partners, he is a source of exchange. I appreciate every moment spent with him. He is the example to follow, he has won everything at club level. He misses the biggest trophy, the world. He is not satisfied. I said before that when Leo smiles, the team smiles and that’s true. He is loved and admired by his partners.
“I am happy for Kalimuendo”
Is there a form of regret to see Arnaud Kalimuendo leave?
No, I’m happy for him. And at the club, we are happy for him. He is coming off a good season at Lens. Here it would be difficult. He prepared well. From the start, I knew he was going to leave us. He had the great merit of preparing them. It had to be Rennes even if it is not yet official.
With the departure of Kalimuendo, are you expecting a new striker?
Yes, we want the arrival of another attacker with a very busy schedule until November. I am in direct contact with Luis. Do not be mistaken. What is feasible or not. Will this player arrive? It must bring real added value. I can’t confirm when it will strengthen but we are working hard for it.
How do you feel about your first match with PSG at the Parc?
For me, there will be emotion. At 55, I’m going to be on the right side, that is to say on the right. I think we’ll get a warm welcome. The past is the past. The players work hard. They were irreproachable in tournaments, good and efficient against Nantes, against Clermont. I want my team to get the fans behind the team. Of course you have to be irreproachable. If we are, we have a better chance of winning.
Regarding Icardi who is in the group of undesirables?
Icardi joined the afternoon group. His absence against Clermont was linked to a sporting choice. Purely sporty. I will restrict the group. I don’t want to work with 25 players. What are his wishes? Mauro had very little playing time. It is important for him to get going again. Mauro needs to express his qualities. The fact of changing place and place sometimes makes it possible to revive.
