Despite having a comfortable lead in the Ligue 1 table, PSG are going through a lot right now, and manager Christophe Galtier may very well be the scapegoat when it’s all said and done.
When PSG lost to Rennes last weekend, it was another setback for the Parisiens prior to the international break. And local reports claim that Galtier and Luis Campos’ jobs are in huge jeopardy.
On the other hand, Will Still is no longer unbeaten as Reims’ boss, while Alexandre Lacazette continues to climb up the scoring charts in Lyon.
These are some of the biggest Ligue 1 2023 updates in France this week, so learn more about them by continuing to read on below, courtesy of SBOTOP.
PSG reportedly searching Galtier’s replacement
PSG have considered replacing Galtier for several reasons. Not only is he under scrutiny for the unacceptable results, including their early exit in the Champions League at the hands of Bayern Munich, but also for his soured relationship with his players and his questionable tactics.
During the second leg of their Champions League tie against Bayern Munich, Galtier was particularly critical of El Chadaille Bitshiabu for conceding the opening goal. And then against Rennes, Galtier put most of the blame for their 2-0 loss on the academy players in the first team who were on the squad.
Footmercato also reported that Lionel Messi left their most recent training session earlier than usual after refusing to participate in several drills that the coaches organised, although Galtier denied it, saying that Messi went out because he felt discomfort in his groin.
Galtier is no stranger to criticism of his tactics, as most pundits say that his oft-used 3-5-2 formation is too rigid.
This was evident during their defeat to Rennes, as PSG were content to just drop back and wait for a counterattacking opportunity, which is not how they’re supposed to play given their immense firepower.
With Galtier’s future in Paris uncertain, Jose Mourinho might replace him this summer. The Special One has plenty of experience coaching big clubs in the Premier League and in Serie A.
But more importantly, Mourinho knows how to get his players to buy into his project. His no-nonsense demeanour is something that a club like PSG need considering the collective ego that they have on their roster.
Mourinho’s future at AS Roma is also far from guaranteed given their struggles to qualify for the Champions League, which could add to their financial predicament.
Marseille end Reims’ crazy run
Will Still saw his undefeated streak in Ligue 1 come to an end when his Reims fell to Marseille on Sunday.
Ligue 1 Golden Boot candidate Folarin Balogun put the hosts ahead after 13 minutes, but Alexis Sanchez replied with two goals in 14 minutes to give the visitors the lead and the victory.
Reims had their chances in the second half, but they were let down because they couldn’t finish in the final third. Marseille were under enormous pressure as the hosts pushed for the equaliser, but they managed to hold on for the win.
Will Still has come a long way as a football manager, and Reims are still fined £22,000 every time he takes charge because he doesn’t have his pro licence yet.
Reims are in the top half of the Ligue 1 standings because of their 18-match unbeaten run under Still. Because of what he has done, Still is being linked to a possible move to West Ham United.
The 30-year-old admitted that he has dreams of coaching his boyhood Premier League club, which is currently in the relegation scrap in 18th place.
Lacazette eyeing huge Lyon milestone
Alexandre Lacazette scored in Lyon’s 1-1 draw against Nantes on Saturday, marking his 150th goal for the club. He is now the second-most prolific scorer in Lyon’s history after passing Bernard Lacombe’s tally of 149 goals in 230 games.
Now that he’s the team’s second-leading scorer, Lacazette is aiming to be on top of Lyon’s scoring charts, but he still has a long way to go. Up next for Lacazette is passing Fleury Di Nallo’s record of 222 goals.
If there’s anyone who can pass Fleury Di Nallo, it is Lacazette, considering he scored 150 goals in a significantly shorter period of time. The 31-year-old has been one of Lyon’s best players this season, and his leadership goes beyond the pitch. Lyon are currently 10th in the Ligue 1 table with 41 points, and they need more than Lacazette to increase their Ligue 1 2023 odds for a spot in Europe.
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