At PSG we don’t talk about Messi but about DT: explosive conference from Galtier and who seems to want to replace him

For a club that chased the trophy of Champions League (and who has invested a lot to succeed), a defeat like the one he suffered Paris Saint-Germain against Bayern Munich on Tuesday at the Parco dei Principi, which threatens to leave him on the bench in the round of 16 of the tournament, generates a stir. And if not, say so Christopher Galtier, whose continuity on the team bench has been called into question after that setback. Even in these hours there is already talk of a potential replacement: Zinedine Zidane.

The coin will be in the air for a few days. According to Radio Montecarlo, the date that could define Galtier’s future is marked in red on the calendar: 8 March, when the team Lionel Messi and corporate litigation the rematch against Bayern in Germany. If the elimination were to be consummated, the DT who was Ligue 1 champion with Lille in the 2020/21 season and who arrived at the French capital club in the middle of last year could be sent off on the spot.

While another premature farewell to the continental tournament would be a decisive impact, the squad’s performance has already left much to be desired in recent weeks. In fact, Tuesday it was the third consecutive defeat (before that they had lost to Olympique de Marseille for the French Cup and to Monaco for Ligue 1), a streak that PSG did not record Since 2011and fifth in 11 games played in 2023, one more than those scored in 46 appearances in 2022.

With those dark clouds overhead, the coach should have given way explanations this Friday, in a press conference that had moments of put under tension48 hours before his side’s match against Lille for the 24th round of the French championship, which PSG lead by five points over Olympique de Marseille.

“There is great disappointment after the defeat against Bayern, but there is still a comeback. We can hope that, with the squad full and fit, we have something to prove. The most important thing now will be to rediscover our game and upset Lille. In a difficult period, we have to shut up, work and have fun together”, assessed the DT, who confirmed that after the fall on Tuesday he had spoken to the president of the club, Nasser Al-Khelaifiand with the sporting director, louis fieldsalthough he did not provide details of those conversations.

When asked about the team’s performance, Galtier admitted he was not satisfied, although he said injuries to some players (including, kylian mbappe, who just came on in the second half) was a determining factor. “If you think I enjoyed watching my team play against Bayern, they are disrespecting me. PSG must play attacking and captivating football, not spectacular, but effective to win. Without responding to the discontent of some, I accept all kinds of criticism, but you have to know how to choose. I put together the squad based on the squad available,” he argued.

As doubts about Galtier’s continuity multiply, Zidane’s shadow widens, which has long been the dream of Al-Khelaifi. The coach who won 11 titles with Real Madrid (including three consecutive Champions Leagues) and who hasn’t worked since mid-2021 had already applied after the split Maurice Pochettino and now his name reappears.

Zidane himself left a skylight open when he attended on Thursday London of the presentation of the two vehicles that will be used in the 2023 season of Formula 1 the French team Alpineof which the DT is ambassador of equal opportunities programs.

During the event, Zidane was questioned about his duties at Alpine and the time he can devote to these duties. “If I have to commit tomorrow, that won’t stop me from continuing to work with the (Alpine) team, maybe a little less because I’ll be busy with the daily routine,” he explained, and remarked that his “want” was to direct again. “Today I have time, but I don’t know until when. I can have time now and then everything can go very fast,” she added.

The world champion with the French national team in 1998 is not the only candidate to take Galtier’s place. Even the press in that country points to it Thomas Tuchelwho already led the team between May 2018 and December 2020. The German was fired for his disputes with the Brazilian Leonardo, then sporting director of the club, and then worked at Chelsea, with whom he won the Champions League in 2021. they are also the ones who put a count on Italian Charles Ancelottitoday at Real Madrid.