PSG: no second chance for Christophe Galtier, on the start

"I still feel legitimate to be the coach of PSG", said Christophe Galtier recently. The 56-year-old technician even assured that he "deserves" to continue on the bench of the capital club, last Saturday, in Strasbourg (1-1), after obtaining the title of champion of France. A priori, the Parisian management is not of his opinion. As reported by L'Equipe, PSG have decided to part ways with Galtier. The latter will therefore lead his last game at the helm of the Rouge et Bleu, the 50th, Saturday (9 p.m.) on the occasion of the reception of Clermont, as part of the 38th and last day of Ligue 1. Appointed last summer replacing Mauricio Pochettino, "Galette", the first French coach in Paris under QSI since Laurent Blanc (2013-16) had initially signed up until 2024.

If he claims to have had "a lot of fun and a lot of joy" during his year in Paris, the former coach of ASSE, Lille and Nice has above all had his share of pain, like the accusations of racism from Julien Fournier, his former sports director at the Gym. Galtier had also been able to measure that the weight of words is not the same in Paris as elsewhere at the very beginning of the campaign, with the famous story of the "sailing tank". For the rest, "his" PSG did not offer much in terms of play. At least, before the World Cup, the Parisians had not experienced defeat (18 wins, 4 draws). They lowered their flag nine times in 2023, taking the door in the round of 16 in the Coupe de France but also and above all in the Champions League. Unai Emery and Thomas Tuchel survived it in 2017 (Barça) and 2019 (MU). Not Christophe Galtier. "Worst memory? The double confrontation against Bayern. The best ? To be champion of France after having been leader from the first to the last day”, he swears.

Before Clermont, Galtier has a record of 34 wins, six draws and nine defeats in 49 matches, with 118 goals scored and 50 conceded. "I don't feel the need to take a break. Tired? As always at the end of a season, they are long, difficult, tough. Obviously, it's a different season from any I've known. But there is still a lot of energy and desire", he said Thursday, during a press conference which revolved a lot around the situation of Sergio Rico, victim of an accident Sunday in Spain and who is still in serious condition.

An event which obviously touched the heart of the entire PSG family and which shook up the end of the season, the discussions, the decisions. “This week there was no discussion about next season. You will understand very well, compared to Sergio, all minds are turned towards his situation and his state of health. There is a time for everything: you have to finish this week, this championship, and I hope that we will finish it in a good way. In the days that follow, there will automatically be the question of next season, and therefore questions about my future, ”he imagined. And to add: "It will be time soon enough, next week, to discuss with my management and see what will be the orientations for next season." A priori, the decision is already taken concerning Galtier.

It remains to be seen who will succeed the future ex-coach of Christophe Galtier. Question for the time being unanswered, the Parisian decision-makers having not yet made their choice. Several names are already coming back with insistence, starting with that of the boiling Jose Mourinho (AS Roma), close to Luis Campos, football adviser for Paris-SG. Obviously, Zinedine Zidane (free) is always mentioned here and there. We are also talking about Luis Enrique (free), Thiago Motta (Bologna), Julian Nagelsmann (free), Abel Ferreira (Palmeiras) or even Xabi Alonso (Bayer Leverkusen). Non-exhaustive list. One thing is certain: as often, summer will be hot in Paris. The big maneuvers have already started with the official departure of Sergio Ramos. To follow, that of Leo Messi? Christophe Galtier announced it … a little quickly Thursday in front of the press, before being denied by the club. A hiccup, one more, but certainly not the most serious of the season...