Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain will start a key season in the Qatari era when he hosts Clermont in the first stage of the French Football League on Saturday, promising to change the old style and win the Champions League on time. the first in its history.

On June 21, the president of the Qatari Parisian club, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, said: “We no longer want luxury and a luxurious life. The major and the leader of the Champions League are not in the club’s piggy bank.”

Hence the choice of coach Christophe Galtier, who was famous for his discipline in previous experience, and the convincing results that he achieved, despite the modest opportunities provided to him at that time.

Galtier’s appointment came as a surprise to many as the club abandoned the idea of ​​relying on “international” coaches such as Argentinian Mauricio Pochettino, Germany’s Thomas Tuchel and Spain’s Unai Emery who have guided the team in recent years. Galtier proved his worth by winning a league title with Lille in 2021, but will that be enough to prove his worth by leading one of the most demanding teams?

The new coach admits that the responsibility lies on his shoulders: “Obviously when you coach Paris Saint-Germain there is more pressure on you than anywhere else, this is a club used to winning titles”, highlighting at the same time his ability to catch a fireball. .

Galtier will work with the new Portuguese sporting director, Luis Campos, who together created the Lille team that won the league title.

– Foundation stone –

Kylian Mbappé remains the ‘cornerstone’ of Saint Germain’s formation and the most important deal he has made this summer thanks to his success in fending off Real Madrid’s attempts to win him over, ensuring his survival until 2025.

Galtier, who imposed his style during preparatory matches with three defenders (3-4-1-2), promised: “We will continue to work rhythmically and intensively, correcting mistakes.”

The Qatari team invested around 100 million euros until August during the summer transfer period, aiming to break the partnership with Saint-Étienne (10 titles), who were relegated to the second division with Metz and Bordeaux last season.

In the first leg of the season, Marseille will host on Sunday last season’s runner-up Reins, who is in twelfth place, after his stages were filled with crises after the departure of Argentine coach Jorge Sampaoli, who objects to the financial ambitions of the Mediterranean team, and his replaced by Croatian Igor Tudor.

As for Lyon, who are trying to regain their luster after finishing eighth last season, on Friday they will receive their Dutch coach Peter Boss Ajaccio, promoted from the second division, in the first stage.

Nice, fifth last season, will visit rising Toulouse on Sunday, led by Ineos’ ambitious continental competition project, while attention is focused on Monaco, third last season, arriving in Strasbourg on Saturday.