Christophe Galtier penned a two-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain and was unveiled at Parc des Princes after the club confirmed Mauricio Pochettino’s departure.
PSG’s recently appointed football advisor, Luis Campos, insisted that Galtier take charge following a successful time together at Lille, where they won the league in 2021. Galtier spent last season with Nice, guiding them to fifth place in Ligue 1.
Galtier: ‘I want Neymar to stay with us’
Galtier has a tough challenge ahead: PSG aims to win the Champions League, a competition the manager is unfamiliar with.
“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,” Galtier said. “I am delighted to work with all of these talented players as well as the top-level staff here at the club. We acknowledge everything that Paris Saint-Germain represents in French and international football.”
Galtier says he plans to focus on “ambition, hard work, and making the most of the team’s potential” moving forward. “I am delighted to become head coach of this team and to be on the bench at the magnificent Parc des Princes, a stadium that embodies a passion for football,” Galtier stressed.
Asked about Neymar’s intention to leave this summer, Galtier assured the Brazilian is part of his plans. “What manager wouldn’t want a player like Neymar in his squad? I have a very precise idea of what I expect from him. I haven’t met him yet … but I want him to stay with us. It’s always better to have a player of that class with us.”
Galtier’s only Champions League experience was earned in the 2019-20 campaign when Lille finished at the bottom in a group that included Chelsea, Ajax, and Valencia. Lille won just a point after a 1-1 draw with Valencia, losing the other five matches 0-2 and 0-3 against Ajax, 0-2 and 1-2 vs Chelsea, and 1-4 in the return match against Valencia.
Pochettino and Leonardo were both sacrificed by Al Khelaifi
Despite winning the league with a comfortable lead, Pochettino paid the price for PSG’s early Champions League exit. The 55-year-old was sacked one year before his contract termination. Sports director Leonardo also left the club.
“The club would like to thank Mauricio Pochettino and his staff for their work and wish them the best for the future,” PSG said in a statement.
With Pochettino at the helm, PSG went out in the Champions League round of 16 last season. Paris wasted a two-goal lead on aggregate to allow the Spanish giants through.
Next season, PSG is the third-favorite to win the Champions League. At +600, the French champions only sit behind Manchester City at +275 and Liverpool at +500 in the odds race. Bayern follows at +650 while Real Madrid and Chelsea both stand at +1100.