Galtier rues missed PSG chance for statement victory after Mbappe makes history

Christophe Galtier felt Paris Saint-Germain could have delivered a bigger victory after Kylian Mbappe made Ligue 1 history in their 3-1 win over Lens.

The forward became the club’s all-time top goalscorer in the competition after he struck in the first half amid a ruthless purple patch at Parc des Princes.

Further goals inside a blistering nine-minute spell for Vitinha and Lionel Messi helped the hosts run rampant against their title rivals, who had Salis Abdul Samed sent off beforehand.

But even with a comfortable result, Galtier felt his side could have delivered a more impressive second-half performance to match the occasion.

“It was important [to get the win],” he told Canal+. It was a pleasure to win. We benefited from the numerical advantage [we had] in the first half.

“[But] as much in the second half, we let ourselves go a little bit. The positions were no longer respected. We should have been more serious. We have them a little hope.”

72 – Paris have picked up 72 points after 31 games in Ligue 1 2022/23, the previous eight teams with 72+ points at this stage of the season (with 3 points for a win) have all won the title at the end of the campaign. GameOver. #PSGRCL pic.twitter.com/Cgi4MjYGob

— OptaJean (@OptaJean) April 15, 2023

Victory refocused matters for Galtier on the pitch following a week in which he had dominated headlines off it following allegations of racism during his time in charge of Nice.

The coach is taking legal action over the claims which he denies, which stems from an email allegedly sent by former Nice football director Julien Fournier at the end of last season.

PSG have given their unreserved backing to Galtier, and touching on the matter, he thanked fans for their messages of goodwill and solidarity.

“It is important to have a lot of support, both [in] public, but also on a personal level,” he added. “It is a great pleasure.

“All the messages that I have received publicly, it warms my heart, as much for me as for my family, my name. All my life I have been enriched by diversity, that’s for sure.”