PSG-Ajaccio (5-0): “These are competitors who want to be champions of France”, rejoices Christophe Galtier

2023-05-14 08:53:47

The title can no longer escape PSG. He still needs four points mathematically, three minimum thanks to the goal difference largely in his favor, to ensure his 11th coronation in the national championship. The big victory for Christophe Galtier’s men against Ajaccio (5-0), this Saturday evening at the Parc des Princes, brings them closer to their goal. Achraf Hakimi, author of the 2nd goal of the game, was sent off like a fortnight ago against Lorient and Kylian Mbappé scored twice which keeps him at the top of the scoring charts. What, on this point, delight Christophe Galtier in a press conference after the meeting.

Is this a crucial victory?

CHRISTOPHER GALTIER. Yes, it is good for the players and it is good from an accounting point of view. It is good in the way we have evolved, in the continuity of the match at Troyes (1-3), with a lot of intensity to recover the ball. The players took great pleasure in evolving together and managed to give pleasure to the supporters.

Precisely, how did you take the whistles against Leo Messi, largely covered by the rest of the Park?

There were whistles and, very quickly, much of the stadium covered those whistles. He stayed in his match with the desire to animate the meeting for his partners. His career has led him to live these special moments.

“Kylian wants to get this 5th straight title of top scorer”

Is PSG rediscovering the joy of playing?

We had a difficult period, especially at home. This match is a continuation of the one in Troyes (1-3). There were extenuating circumstances during the air pockets. The players were very determined to put on a serious game, it showed in the training sessions all week long. They are competitors who want to be champions of France and they see that Lens is not giving up. There is a lot of involvement and it reflects on training and matches. They do not want a tense end to the season with pursuers who do not give up.

This is the second expulsion in a row at the Parc des Princes for Achraf Hakimi. Does he have a problem managing his emotions?

Against Lorient, it was too committed. There, it is a reaction following a scuffle. I find red cards harsh. There must be more control, we must not give the possibility to the referee to sanction in a strong enough way. But having reviewed the images, we could have had more discernment and calmed everyone down with a yellow card.

And at the end, there is also Kylian Mbappé’s smile…

He had more opportunities to play, thanks to Hugo Ekitike who helped fix the defense of Ajaccio. He has more space and freedom, Leo too. Kylian wants to go for this 11th title of champion of France. He also has his personal goals, with the desire to seek this 5th straight title of top scorer in the championship. He sees that other attackers score in this championship. This goal is good for him but it’s also good for us.