Christophe Galtier: 'A magnificent competition'

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The Paris Saint-Germain coach answered questions from PSG TV and the media before the round of 64 of the Coupe de France against Berrichonne de Châteauroux, this Friday 6 January at 21:00 at the Stade Gaston Petit. Here are some extracts.

state of mind

"After defeats, there is always disappointment, frustration and anger. We have to bounce back quickly and focus on the next game, which is important, in an important competition for the club. The best way to get rid of the frustration is to focus on the next game."

COUPE DE FRANCE

"The Coupe de France is a magnificent competition, a magnificent trophy that brings together professional and amateur football. There are surprises every year, always a passion behind the smaller and weaker teams. I was lucky enough to win it twice as Alain Perrin's assistant at Sochaux and Lyon, and to be a finalist as head coach with Nice. It is the French football trophy."

CHÂTEAUROUX

"Today, there are a lot of tools to watch them and people who have gone to see this team play. So we worked as hard as we would for any game. We know the strengths of the team. They are not an amateur club, their players train every day, many of whom come from youth academies, and several of whom have already played in Ligue 1 or Ligue 2. Athletically, they will be ready. The team is quick in behind, puts a lot of commitment. We have worked to be mentally ready because there are more people who will support Châteauroux than us, and players who will play the most important match of their season."

ROTATION

"After the defeat in Lens, we quickly got back to work. We knew that we would have a lot of absentees at some point with the return from the World Cup and the suspensions. I wanted us to reduce the number of players in the dressing room. I'm very happy with that, it makes room for the young players. We will have a very competitive team on Friday. Keylor Navas? He's had ten days off to cut down on competition after his return. He's got back into the rhythm of the sessions, with individual work. He will play tomorrow."

young players

"It will be an opportunity for some of the youngsters to start or get some game time in this match. We're coming off a big disappointment, we need a result. There is no desire to have certain players recover. The fact that some players are absent will give some youngsters a chance and it's up to them to take advantage of it. The level of the youngsters at Paris Saint-Germain is higher than what I have seen. We have reduced the squad so that these players can grow. We have talented young players and we also have to give them space."

LIONEL MESSI

"Leo trained on Wednesday and Thursday. He won't play on Friday. We are making sure he is ready for the next game. We'll check on him. I will be very attentive to what he tells me, but we want him to be available for the next game. It was important for him to be celebrated here by his teammates and all the training centre staff. He was happy and moved to have this celebration."

the full press conference