A new era begins at French giants Paris Saint-Germain after highly-touted manager Christophe Galtier has taken the reigns in the city of lights today, with the 55-year-old native of Marseille already setting out his blueprint for the upcoming 2022-23 season.
Galtier was unveiled in front of the press earlier this afternoon and has credited Luis Campos as a decisive factor in his decision to join up with the capital outfit as his highly credible career has already included stints with AS Saint-Étienne, LOSC Lille, and OGC Nice.
Christophe Galtier is unveiled as PSG manager:
“Luis Campos’ presence at PSG was decisive, and then my exchanges with the president which made me accept the job of PSG manager, with a lot of humility but with great determination.” pic.twitter.com/wsWWbpKA3m
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) July 5, 2022
In quotes provided by Get French Football, Galtier praised the squad on offer at the Parc des Princes but made it clear that he was not arriving amid an impending revolution but would demand every player under his command to be committed to a common project.
“I’m going to speak with all the players. Managing such a squad is a privilege. We must have a common project, with no compromise. I’m not going to revolutionize the changing room, I know I’ll have everyone’s support. Once a player is not in the project, they will be set aside.”
Galtier then dropped breadcrumbs about how PSG will likely operate with him on the touchline, which has already brought a cadre of praised campaigns during his previous tenures in the top flight of French football, while also briefly discussing what shape PSG could adopt with him at the helm.
“I want to see intensity, rhythm, and the players winning the ball back quickly high up the pitch. I haven’t met the players yet but I’ve spoken with the management about what I want to do.”
“A three-man defense has been spoken about a lot. I’m lucky to have incredible wing players but also those at the heart of play. But there is a tendency towards a three-man defense, yes.”
PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 8: Neymar Jr of PSG celebrates his goal – ultimately cancelled – during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and ESTAC Troyes at Parc des Princes stadium on May 8, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by John Berry/Getty Images)
Perhaps most importantly, Galtier potentially eased uncertainty surrounding the future of Brazilian icon Neymar amid the possibility that the 30-year-old star could be on his way out of the capital this summer.
Previous rumors linked Premier League giants Chelsea with interest in Neymar, but Galtier has rushed to squash any notion that he is unwelcomed under the new regime set to be established along the Seine.
“What manager wouldn’t want a player like Neymar in their squad? I have a very precise idea of what I expect from him. I haven’t met him yet, I will, but I want him to stay with us. It’s always better to have a player of that class with us.”
For more on Paris Saint-Germain, read below
PSG announces the signing of Man United-linked Vitinha
Thiago Silva attempts to convince Neymar to join Chelsea this summer
Paris Saint-Germain president predicts ‘best version of Messi’ in 2022-23
