Appointed coach for two years to replace Argentinian Mauricio Pochettino, the 55-year-old Marseille native has never before led a group with so many world stars, nor has he won a single match. Champions League in six games (one draw, five defeats in 2019-20).

Will he be able to answer the questions by his propensity to rely on the executives of his team?

"He is open to discussion with the key players of his team but also all the players to show them their importance as well. He makes everyone join. He is a unifier", summarizes for AFP Alain Blachon , who was one of his assistants in Saint-Etienne.

The former defender, trained in Marseille and passed through Lille, Toulouse, Monza and Liaoning Yuandong in China, did not win any club titles during his honest playing career.

Christophe Galtier kicks the ball as the match between Nice and Olympique de Marseille (OM) is interrupted following an invasion of the pitch by supporters, in Nice on August 22, 2021 Valery HACHE AFP / Archives

Because it is on the benches that "Galette" wrote the most beautiful lines of its prize list.

First assistant to Bernard Casoni at OM, then N.2 at Aris Salonique (Greek D1) and Bastia, he cut his teeth alongside Alain Perrin, notably winning the Coupe de France in 2007 with Sochaux before the Cup-Championship double with Lyon the following year.

Seven years at ASSE

With Saint-Etienne, OL's great rival, he made his big debut as head coach in 2009, starting a love affair with ASSE for more than seven years, notably marked by a victory in the Coupe de la League (2013), several European campaigns and a title of best L1 coach in 2013, tied with Carlo Ancelotti, then in charge … of PSG.

Stéphane midfielder Bakary Sako is congratulated by his coach Christophe Galtier after scoring during the L1 match against Lorient on November 6, 2010 in Saint-Etienne PHILIPPE DESMAZES AFP / Archives

Arrived at the bedside of Lille after the Marcelo Bielsa fiasco at the end of 2017, Galtier will succeed in keeping the club in L1 in 2018, then leading it to second place...then to consecration in May 2021, by dethroning Paris for the national title to everyone's surprise, supported by the sports director Luis Campos, whom he finds in Paris.

Lille coach Christophe Galtier celebrates his victory in L1 against Angers with his players on May 23, 2021 in Angers LOIC VENANCE AFP / Archives

Reputed to be close to his very international locker room at Losc, Galtier does not hesitate to bang his fist on the table when necessary, even if it means punishing a player who does not respect the collective.

Thus, he dismissed Portuguese midfielder Xeka for the crucial match at the Parc des Princes (1-0), which launched the final sprint in April 2021, due to "inappropriate and inappropriate behavior".

"Seducer"

After a lackluster season in Nice, where he was a finalist in the Coupe de France and finished 5th in L1, the technician arrives in Paris where he will have a lot to do to manage the egos of his superstars and will have to be fair. and uncompromising.

Christophe Galtier hugged by the president of Nice Jean-Pierre Riviere during after the final of the Coupe de France between Nice and FC Nantes in Paris on May 7, 2022 FRANCK FIFE AFP / Archives

Everyone who worked with him agrees that beyond his coaching skills, Galtier is a great communicator.

"He is in constant reflection. He will surprise. He is also a seducer in the good sense of the term. He took communication training when he was younger. It is an important part of his job. His analysis goes beyond the field. It's his trademark, "reminds AFP Philippe Lyonnet, former director of communication of Saint-Etienne.

"He has this ability to convey messages. He is an actor. He will place his ideas. For PSG, you have to be a good communicator," he added.

Cataloged as a defensive coach with a game based on transition, Galtier will have a lot to prove at the head of the Parisian armada.

And he knows that his longevity will depend a lot on his career in the Champions League, where he is still inexperienced.

But the Marseillais seems ready to take up the challenge.

© 2022 AFP