On the eve of the round of 16 first leg of the Champions League between PSG and Bayern Munich, Christophe Galtier spoke to the press. The Parisian coach is satisfied to be able to find a competitive group after the last two defeats conceded last week and is counting on the experience of his players to tackle this European shock against the Bavarians as best as possible. He also gave news of Kylian Mbappé for whom a decision will be made on Tuesday morning as to his participation.
What are your hopes for tomorrow’s game?
CHRISTOPHER GALTIER. The team lined up will look nothing like the one that traveled to Monaco. My players are used to these big meetings. We face a quality opponent. My players know how to raise their level of play, their standards and their involvement.
How are you going through the current period as a person?
I have concealer (laughs). When you are the coach of PSG and you lose two games in a row, it’s a difficult situation, even more so when there is an elimination against OM. I am in reflection and in action. I stay very connected with my players. I make sure to find the best organization and the best associations to be successful. I put aside the pressure that there may be on me. The most important thing is the deadlines with my players and the way we prepare for this meeting.
How is Kylian Mbappe?
He trained yesterday individually and today collectively. I didn’t think he was going to practice yesterday. His post-training feedback is very positive. Will he be on the score sheet? It’s not sure yet. We will take stock tomorrow morning when we meet again. The first questions will be asked to Kylian, how he projects himself. There will be discussions with the medical staff. Kylian gave himself the best chance of being available. I have to wait until tomorrow morning to find out how he feels. If it is on the sheet, it will be for play. How long ? I don’t know, but he won’t make an appearance on the sidelines.
“When there is frustration, it has to come out”
Is Bayern the favorite for this Champions League round of 16?
No, it’s 50-50. If we analyze all the results and the stats, we can say that Bayern are the favorites. But it’s a Champions League game. At the end of the match, there will be no qualified, that’s for sure. We know that Bayern had a little complicated period after the World Cup, but they performed well. This is not really our case. But I have a more complete squad than in previous matches.
Is it hard to channel your players who display a form of tension during matches?
You need calm and serenity in these appointments. When there is frustration, it has to come out. I’ve been leading this way for years. They are totally different players. They need it out. You have to listen to them, but they also have to listen to me. There is disappointment that breeds anger after our two defeats. They have to be able to release all this frustration.
Will Vitinha be lined up for the number 10 position or do you plan to field another player?
For various reasons, with the sequence of matches and absences, I put players in playing areas they are not used to. They accepted. Is it a success? Not especially. But Vitinha will not be number 10 tomorrow.
How did you perceive the tense post-match between your players and the supporters on Saturday in Monaco?
It’s always difficult. I understand the disappointment and frustration of supporters which can lead to anger. They witnessed a very difficult match. I’m sure they’ll respond. It will resonate strongly at the Park, they will encourage us to the end. In Monaco, I gave them a sign. After that, it’s up to everyone’s feelings. No one should be judged. There can be frustration among the supporters, I understand that. But my players were also frustrated after the Monaco match.