“I had to deal with some ego issues”

Former Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier has praised Lionel Messi and hit out at Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, saying he had to manage the club’s egos. He admitted it wasn’t easy managing the Ligue 1 club, but he is grateful for the experience.

Speaking to the media, Galtier said Messi was the easiest to coach because the Argentine listens and understands what needs to be done on the pitch. He suggested that the team’s other top players were a problem and said (as quoted by Tribuna):

“It wasn’t easy, as I had to deal with some ego issues during and after matches, but I enjoyed it. I’m grateful to have coached the best players in the world. Messi was the easiest to coach, because he listens and understands the game perfectly.”

This wasn’t the first time Galtier spoke about having problems with PSG’s big players. He told O Jogo earlier this year that the club had given him the best players in the world, but that had not balanced the team. He said:

“From what I knew, I certainly had the best players in the world, but the best players in the world together do not make a team. What emerged today was an impressive team, capable of running many kilometers at high intensity.”

“There is this ability to see everyone attacking and defending. Only then can we have a chance of winning the Champions League. There are, at the same time, movements in the game, but also a lot of changes of zone, speed and percussion in the offensive plan… It is a very modern team.”

Galtier won the Ligue 1 title and the Trophée des Champions in his only season at PSG.

Kylian Mbappe was jealous of Lionel Messi, Neymar claimed

Neymar spoke to the media last season and claimed that Kylian Mbappe was jealous of his closeness to Lionel Messi. The Brazilian believes this led to fights between them and said (via TNT Sports):

“We had good years of partnership, but after Messi arrived he was a little jealous. He didn’t want to separate me from anyone. And then there were arguments, a change in behavior.”

Lionel Messi and Neymar left PSG in 2023, with the Argentine heading to Inter Miami in MLS and the Brazilian sold to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.