• After three and a half years at Losc, Christophe Galtier has decided to leave the northern club. 

  • Just crowned champion of France, the coach believes he has reached the end of the cycle. 

  • He could join Nice, Lyon or Naples in the coming days

The epilogue was feared by all Losc supporters, it is now official.

Less than twenty-four hours after the celebration of the title of champion of France in the streets of Lille, Christophe Galtier announced on Tuesday that he was leaving the northern club.

In an interview with L'Equipe, the Lille coach explains the reasons for his choice.

“I informed my president, Olivier Létang, after having listened to him a lot this Tuesday morning that I was going to leave Losc.

Or that I stopped with the Losc, I'm not sure what term to use.

I am quite simply convinced that I have done my time here.

That this four-year cycle is long enough for a coach.

I do not want to leave on a success.

I'm leaving because I decided that after four years, it was time to leave, ”says the northerner coach.

Maintaining the supreme title

Arrived in December 2017 on the banks of the Deûle, Galtier has known everything with the northern club. From a maintenance torn on the wire at the end of the season in May 2018 before an end in apotheosis this Sunday, May 23 with an incredible title of champion snatched from the hard fight to PSG. Arrived at the end of the cycle, the northerner coach knew he could not do better than this national coronation with the northerner club. After three and a half years, he therefore makes his apron strong with a presence in the top 4 for the past three seasons (2nd in 2019, 4th in 2020 and 1st in 2021). Adored by Losc fans, Galtier is the main architect of the title and will leave an indelible mark in the history of a club.

Recruited by former president Gérard Lopez, who left in December 2020, Galtier was very close to his former boss.

A relationship of trust that he has not really established with Olivier Letang, Lopez's successor at the head of the northern club.

One year from the end of his contract, the 55-year-old technician is therefore packing his bags for a still unknown destination.

The Nice project does not leave him indifferent

If he admits to being in advanced discussions with Nice, Lyon and Naples, the coach assures that he has not yet made his choice. Even if the Nice project financed by Ineos and piloted by his friend Julien Fournier clearly does not leave him insensitive. “Everywhere Ineos goes, they win. They are on the fastest car in Formula 1. They are on the fastest boats and bikes in the world. Obviously we look at what the Ineos group is because it commands respect. », Assures Christophe Galtier.

On the side of Lille, the departure of Galtier could lead to that of several players.

Already goalkeeper Mike Maignan is on the verge of signing with AC Milan.

Other important elements of the title (Botman, Celik, Soumaré, Sanches, Bamba, Ikoné…) could follow because the northern club, faced with the health crisis, must save money.

To replace Galtier, the name of Laurent Blanc, very close to Olivier Létang, is circulating more and more.

A great page in the history of the club is turning, another just waiting to be opened.

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