On the eve of the Trophée des Champions against Nantes, this Sunday 31 July at 20:00 CET (21:00 in Israel) at the Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv, Paris Saint-Germain coach Christophe Galtier spoke at the traditional pre-match press conference:
TROPHÉE DES CHAMPIONS
Since last season, the Trophée des Champions has been played in Israel and it has received a very warm welcome. It's not about the personal interest of Paris Saint-Germain but about French football as a whole. We have to show our best face to promote it. Nantes? I am always very happy to meet Nantes coach Antoine Kombouaré. In the Coupe de France final in May, Nantes deserved their victory. From what we have observed, he is sticking to the same principles. I also looked at what happened at the Beaujoire against Paris Saint-Germain last season. They are a committed team but they play very good football. I don't think their characteristics will have changed. They will be in the same frame of mind.
THE OBJECTIVE
To win! It's a trophy. We talked about it a lot at the beginning of the season. Before thinking about the Champions League, we have to do everything we can to win the three domestic trophies. Last year, we didn't manage to win this trophy. I don't know if we should try to prove anything, but the better we play, the better our chances of winning. In Japan, we saw some interesting things. There were things to correct but the most important thing is to win. The pressure? When you are the coach of Paris Saint-Germain you have more pressure than anywhere else. It would be great for everyone to win this trophy to start with, for me as well as for everyone else at the club. I am very happy and proud to coach this squad and we are working to win trophies.
THE ATMOSPHERE
It's more of a new life for me than for the playing squad! I am satisfied with the work we've done and the way the squad gets on together. On a personal note, I was able to immerse myself quickly in the role of coach of Paris Saint-Germain during the tour in Japan. I also took the time to talk to the players. They are great players and there is a great desire to have a great season.
TACTICS
Since it's a new system, we started working on it long before. We chose this system because of the characteristics of the squad. We solved any issues during the friendly matches. We went back over it with the players on video. The DNA of Paris Saint-Germain is to attack, to have the ball and to transition quickly. We have to be able to attack with six or seven players and counter all of our opponents' transitions. There will be a few more weeks to fine-tune certain passages. Above all, we must let our talent express itself without restrictions. We have several possibilities, despite the absence of Kylian Mbappé. We prepared the matches in Japan with and without him. We also have the possibility of playing with three midfielders, but I will not change the defensive organisation.
PRESEASON
We're going to have a very busy season. I think there will be 26 games in all competitions before the World Cup, then the World Cup and the final sprint finish. We will have a discussion with the sporting director about how we should prepare the squad. There will be fatigue, so the players will have to accept playing less in the final sprint. As for the preparations, there have been no changes. We have been very careful with those who have returned from long holidays. During the first matches, there was energy and enthusiasm and we have to keep that up.
NEYMAR JR
I found a very happy, cheerful player, very professional. This is an important season for players who are going to the World Cup. He came prepared, looking sharp. He is sharing how he feels, listening and working hard. He is a world-class player and it is important to have a player of his calibre.