Former Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier has delivered a scathing assessment of his previous star-studded team featuring Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe, suggesting their individual brilliance failed to translate into collective success.
Speaking to O Jogo following PSG's emphatic 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in Saturday's UEFA Champions League final, Galtier contrasted his former squad with Luis Enrique's current team that has made history by securing PSG's first European crown.
"From what I knew, I certainly had the best players in the world, but the best players in the world, together, don't make a team," Galtier remarked, highlighting what he perceives as the fundamental difference between his 2022-23 squad and the current Champions League winners.
The 58-year-old Frenchman praised Enrique's team for their cohesive approach, saying: "What stands out today is an impressive team, with the ability to run many kilometers at high intensity. There is this ability to see everyone attacking and defending."
Galtier, who managed PSG for just one season before departing in 2023, did guide the club to domestic success with the Ligue 1 title and Trophée des Champions. However, European glory eluded his team despite having three of football's biggest stars at his disposal.
The historic Champions League final at Munich's Allianz Arena saw PSG dominate Inter Milan with goals from Achraf Hakimi, Desire Doue (who scored twice), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Senny Mayulu. This comprehensive victory marks a significant milestone for the French club, which had previously reached the final in 2020 only to lose 1-0 to Bayern Munich.
PSG's transformation has been remarkable since the departures of their former superstars. Messi and Neymar left the club in 2023, while Mbappe departed for Real Madrid in the summer of 2024. Under Enrique's guidance, the team has evolved into what Galtier describes as "a very modern team" with impressive movement, speed, and tactical flexibility.
The victory completes a historic quadruple for PSG, making them only the second team to achieve this feat since the 1966-67 season, cementing their place in football history despite the absence of their former galácticos.
