PSG boss Christophe Galtier comes out firing and says he should stay next season

28 May 2023 , 12:16

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Coach of PSG Christophe Galtier answers to the media

PSG boss Christophe Galtier came out swinging at his critics after leading his side to the Ligue 1 title.

Needing just a point from their penultimate game of the season at Strasbourg, Lionel Messi's second-half goal proved decisive, despite Kevin Gameiro levelling late on for the hosts. It meant a ninth league title in 11 seasons for the Parisian giants, and glory for Galtier in his first full season in charge.

But it won't be enough to silence the growing voices of discontent in Paris. Despite the title win, the form of Galtier's side has been patchy in the second half of the campaign, losing six and drawing four of their 37 league games thus far.

And the star-studded side crashed out of the Champions League in the last 16 at the hands of Bayern Munich, suffering the same fate in the French Cup. Predecessor Mauricio Pochettino was shown the door for producing a similar record in the 2021/22 season, winning the title but ultimately failing in Europe.

There has also been ample talk of derision in the ranks, with Lionel Messi leaving the club this summer after being sanctioned for an impromptu marketing trip to Saudi Arabia. World-record signing Neymar is also said to be heading for the exit door, while Real Madrid continue to pursue Kylian Mbappe - but the captain seems set to stay for another year at least to trigger a £78 million loyalty clause.

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But after sealing his second Ligue 1 crown as a manager, the first coming with Lens in 2020/21, Galtier said defiantly: "I deserve a second season at Paris Saint-Germain!

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe combined for the decisive goal (CHRISTOPHE VERHAEGEN/AFP via Getty Images)

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"I repeat it once again because no one wants to hear it but it was a very special season. We had to stay the course even when we thought everyone had their heads under water. I pay tribute to my players who have not given up. I am very happy and I don't want us to trivialize [this title win]!"

Whether his pleas are enough to persuade the club's Qatari owners remains to be seen. PSG chiefs are reported to be tracking former Spain and Barcelona coach Luis Enrique, after the 53-year-old ruled himself out of the running for vacant Tottenham Hotspur job, along with a host of names.

The newly-crowned French champions will be next be in action in their final Ligue 1 game on June 3 against Clermont Foot. For a host of players the game could prove their final bow in PSG colours, and given the past ruthlessness of the club's owners, Galtier will be well too aware that despite his insistence, the clash could be his last in the dugout at the Parc des Princes too.

Fraser Watson