No respite for PSG. Two days after its success against Strasbourg, the Parisian club is already turned to the shock against its runner-up, Racing Club de Lens, this Sunday evening (8:45 p.m.). Present at a press conference this Friday, Christophe Galtier recognized the complexity of this poster that the Parisian club will play without Neymar or Messi. The Parisian coach also announced that his team would only be reinforced during the transfer window in the event of departure. He also paid tribute to the legend Pelé whose death affected the Brazilian players of PSG.
How do you judge this poster that awaits you against RC Lens?
CHRISTOPHER GALTIER. We are not too strong, we manage to win matches in a good way even if they are difficult. We manage to snatch victories, it’s good for a team, a group. RC Lens are doing a wonderful job, they have won all their home matches. Franck Haise has improved his game, his team, erased the few flaws. It’s a poster, because of what PSG can represent, but also thanks to the course of Lens, with an exceptional atmosphere, omnipresent supporters. Ours will be many. All the ingredients are there for a great poster and a great evening.
Is this the most difficult confrontation of the season in Ligue 1?
According to the ranking, yes. I know that against the big teams, they performed well. Lens has become a big team. They have the right to dream and hope for a great season. Considering the number of points and their quality of play, it is the most difficult opponent that we are going to play.
How are you going to prepare for this match, which is being played on January 1?
We stay in our routine, our organization, with a studious session. We will leave for Lens on January 1st. Will the players have their meals adapted? Are they going to drink some alcohol? I have high-level players who are used to chaining matches. I have total confidence in them, I know it’s a very professional group. It’s the big game, so we’re going to have to play a full game to give ourselves the chance of winning.
How are you going to organize your offensive animation without Neymar and Messi?
It is not insignificant. We know their importance in our game, our offensive organization, it’s a very high level trio. Quickly, after the match on Wednesday, with the suspension of Neymar, I immersed myself in thinking about how we were going to organize our game, our team, on an attacking level. We worked yesterday and today with the staff to find the best animation possible. I have a pretty clear idea of how I’m going to position my players and what I’m asking of them.
What lessons did you draw from the match against Reims where the two players were already absent at kick-off?
We have to manage to find this famous mobility and depth. Facing Lens, if we are only on a support-return game, we will favor the Lensoise pressure and its very good organization. You will have to find depth. What we had not done in Reims. My ideas are very clear, we worked a lot on that. Whatever the register of each other, it will take an extra soul and offer a lot more races forward.
What do you expect from the transfer window?
I am very happy and satisfied with the squad I have. There will be no arrivals if there are no departures. Right now I haven’t had any players asking to move and look elsewhere. It’s going to be long, we have a lot of games during this period, and we’ll see how things develop. I have a group that works very well, I am very satisfied. There can be a player who is not satisfied with his playing time, who is not happy. We will discuss the possibilities in this case. The signing of a defender is no longer relevant. We have a young player (El Chadaille Bitshiabu) who played a match against Strasbourg, and he has enormous potential. We pin a lot of hope on him. It would be blocking space for him to recruit a player. Our desire is to promote our young talents.
How did you react to Kylian Mbappé’s match against Strasbourg?
Kylian showed such a desire to win and lead the team to win against Strasbourg! It denotes a certain state of mind. He is very dynamic, smiling, very invested in his role as a player who is growing week after week. He played 56 games and scored 56 goals in 2022. That’s what a player we have. How lucky to have such a player!
Will the young Ilyes Housni have his chance with the first team?
He is in the elite group and he is with us in the sessions. He has been training with the professionals for several weeks. He will now be on a regular basis with the pro squad. He is an atypical player in terms of his qualities and size.
How did you react to Pelé’s death?
The players have talked about it. We have Brazilians like Marquinhos or Neymar in our locker room. He is a player who has marked world football. He was in my opinion, even if I never saw him play, a precursor in the game on an athletic level. I extend my condolences to his loved ones. It has accompanied all generations and it will continue to do so. He had amazing moves that only he could pull off. He was appreciated and loved all over the world. With a track record that may not be equaled.