Galtier unveiled as PSG boss after Pochettino departs

Paris Saint-Germain introduced new head coach Christophe Galtier on Tuesday following the drawn-out departure of his predecessor, Mauricio Pochettino.

PSG thanked Pochettino and his backroom staff for “their work” when they confirmed they’d severed ties with the Argentinian handler one year before the expiration of his contract. He’s the fourth straight coach to be sacked by the French club.

Galtier, who oversaw Nice last season, was swiftly named as Pochettino’s replacement at the Parc des Princes.

“Yes, I am emotional. Yes, I am proud,” Galtier said at a press conference. “I am fully aware of the responsibility placed on me, that PSG had a huge season. I have prepared myself for this.

“If I have accepted these responsibilities, it is because I feel I am capable.”

Pochettino won the Ligue 1 title, Coupe de France, and Trophee des Champions following his appointment in January 2021 but ultimately failed to deliver the long-term goal of winning the Champions League. PSG lost to Manchester City in the semifinals of the 2020-21 campaign before falling to eventual winners Real Madrid in last season’s round of 16.

Now, Galtier will need to prove he can handle the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Neymar after spending his entire managerial career in France. The 55-year-old won the League Cup with Saint-Etienne in 2013 before concluding a four-year stay at Lille with the Ligue 1 title in 2021.

He worked previously with PSG’s new football adviser, Luis Campos, at Lille.

Galtier represented hometown club Marseille – PSG’s archrivals – over two spells during his playing career.