Christophe Galtier: 'Play a disciplined and high-paced game'

AJ Auxerre

"They've changed coach recently with the arrival of Christophe Pélissier. They have gotten a win and a draw in their last two, so they're on a good run. We are too, and it'll be important to play a disciplined and high-paced game. We have to win because behind us, the chasing pack are still breathing down our necks. I hope the club will also pay tribute to the victims of the terrorist attacks in the best possible way this Sunday 13 November.

"AJA are a newly promoted team, which is never easy. The new coach has turned things round since he came in. Like Jean-Marc Furlan, he likes to get his team playing and build from the back. Up till now, they've played attacking football with a four-man midfield and defence. Will they play in that way on Sunday? We can't know. They're gaining in confidence. Their playing style is starting to take shape, and you can see that in the difference between Christophe Pélissier's first match and his second."

THE WORLD CUP

"Of course this week has been unusual. We have certain players who are happy to be going with their national teams and others who are disappointed and sad not to be. Those who are going are making fun of each other about the competition, but as soon as they're on the pitch, everyone is focussed on the same objective and preparing for the game against Auxerre.

"We have a lot of players who have been called up. That's why throughout this international break, we're going to give everyone an individual training programme. We'll meet up again on 5 December at the Training Centre."

RISK OF INJURY

"The relationship between our medical staff and various national teams is very good. Everyone is aware of the physical state of each player because we talk a lot. On Sunday, we'll have to play as freely as possible from a psychological point of view, even if I understand that it's not easy. Our players are competitors and top-level athletes. They can, of course, be a little afraid of injury, but I think that fear is more present among those around the player than the player themselves."

"My players know they can talk to me whenever they want. I wouldn't be surprised if one of them came to me and told me that he was apprehensive about this last match before the World Cup. I will, of course, be aware of the potential fears each one might have. Having said that, I have to put out the most competitive team possible for this game. I won't spare anyone because at the time of speaking we have everyone available bar Fabian Ruiz and perhaps Keylor Navas. Up till now, no player has spoken to me of their fears for this match."

Keylor Navas

"Keylor has been unavailable for a certain time in the last two weeks. He was able to restart full training training today. We'll see how he recovers from his injury before deciding whether he can be with us against Auxerre or not."

Timothée Pembélé

"Timothée, I see him come to work every day. He takes it very seriously and is well supported by our medical staff. I don't know how things will go in the second half of the season for the moment. The most important thing is that he gets back to 100% little by little. We'll see what shape he's in when he's able to train with us again. In any case, I can tell you he's working very hard on his recovery."

THE UEFA Champions League ROUND OF 16

"Bayern Munich, it's a great draw. They're a team that got maximum points in the group stage. They're a big European club. The game will take place in three months, so we've got time to see where the squads are between now and then."

PLAYING STYLE AND TACTICAL SYSTEM

"I would describe our team as one that plays, that is very attack-minded. It's also a very technical team, which is discplined and structured. Unfortunately, we sometimes lack concentration.

"Regarding the system, I would like to be able to play with three different systems in order to adapt with regard to the opponent. The aim is always to enable our attacking players to be able to express themselves as freely as possible. We also have to find the means to be more balanced and win the ball back as soon as possible. For the moment, we've used two systems, but our staff are looking at how to develop a third. That also gives us the ability to surprise opponents. A third system would allow us to be even more effective and work on the points we still have to improve."

HIS FEELINGS ON THE SEASON SO FAR

"Working here is both motivating and exciting. You can never slacken off at a club like Paris Saint-Germain. Each day, I'm very happy to be here. I have a very disciplined squad, who are a pleasure to work with daily. I talk a lot to all the players. Every day when I arrive, I take the time to enjoy being here at Paris Saint-Germain."

SEE THE WHOLE OF CHRISTOPHE GALTIER'S PRESS CONFERENCE