Does Christophe Galtier want Neymar to stay at PSG? Club's new manager answers
First Published Jul 5, 2022, 6:57 PM ISTLigue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on Tuesday announced the appointment of Christophe Galtier as the club's new manager.
Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on Tuesday announced the appointment of Christophe Galtier as the club's new manager.
Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on Tuesday announced the appointment of Christophe Galtier as the club's new manager moments after confirming the departure of Mauricio Pochettino. The 55-year-old, who has signed a contract for two seasons until 30th June 2024, has become one of the most recognised and experienced coaches in French football. While addressing the media for the first time as PSG's new manager, Galtier quickly cleared the air around Brazilian forward Neymar's uncertain future.
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In 2017, Neymar became the most expensive player on the planet when the Parisian club snapped him from Barcelona for 222 million euros. Little did fans think the iconic forward would become an outcast in the Ligue 1 champion's side five years later. Rumours suggested that the big-spending French giants are willing to listen to offers this summer for the iconic player, although the Brazil international has a contract that runs till 2025.
However, putting all rumours to rest, PSG's new manager, Galtier, stated, "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."
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The former France defender, who has coached Saint-Étienne (2009-2017), Lille (2017-2021) and Nice (2021-2022), also thanked chairman Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, Luis Campos and the club for their confidence in him. "I am fully aware of the responsibilities involved to coach this extraordinary team, which is one of the most competitive and spectacular squads in Europe. I am delighted to work with all of these talented players as well as the top-level staff here at the club."
"We acknowledge everything that Paris Saint-Germain represents in French and international football. My focus is on ambition, hard work and making the most of the team's potential. I am delighted to become head coach of this team and to be on the bench at the magnificent Parc des Princes, a stadium that embodies a passion for football," Galtier added.
Meanwhile, PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi said, "We are delighted to welcome Christophe to the Paris Saint-Germain family. Christophe's track record is outstanding, and he has enjoyed success at every club he has managed. His many achievements are founded on an exceptional character that gets the best out of his players and his teams - based on a collective spirit. We are proud to have a French coach and look forward to the next chapter of the club's growth with Christophe."
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Galtier led Saint-Étienne to their first trophy in 32 years – the 2013 Coupe de la Ligue – and the club's comeback onto the European scene. The former France U19 international came north to manage Lille after winning the U19 European Championship as a player in 1988. In Northern France, Galtier worked closely with the Luis Campos-instituted football system to help Lille finish second in Ligue 1 in 2019 and fourth in 2020 before breaking out and winning the French championship in 2021. The Frenchman, well-known for his tactical acumen and player management, has also received major individual honours, including three Trophées UNFPs for best Ligue 1 manager (2013, 2019 and 2021).