´We have to reduce it´ – Galtier realistic about PSG squad size as Neymar exit rumoured

PSG head coach Christophe Galtier called Neymar a “great player” when questioned about his possible exit from the club, but admitted the size of his squad has to be reduced.

The Brazilian forward has been linked with a move away from the Parc des Princes, with apparent interest from a host of Europe’s top clubs.

Neymar has been with PSG for five years, since the club made him the world’s most expensive player with a fee that far exceeded €200million.

The former Santos man has won four Ligue 1 titles over his time in the French capital, but his inability to help the club win their first ever Champions League, and subsequent negative fan reaction, has led to rumours of discontent.

He was booed by fans in PSG’s first home game after the collapse in the round of 16 Champions League second leg against Real Madrid, where they let a 2-0 lead slip to crash out 3-2 on aggregate after Karim Benzema’s hat-trick at the Santiago Bernabeu.

It’s over ! The Parisians win 2-0 in the first game of the season!
@SergioRamos
Djeidi Gassama

#PSGQRM pic.twitter.com/iXKNVpUjfJ

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) July 15, 2022

When asked about a possible Neymar departure, Galtier told reporters: “A team is always stronger with great players, and Neymar is one.

“I know where Neymar can be comfortable, whether it’s a little higher off the hook or in front of two midfielders.

“I will adapt to the squad I have. We have to reduce it, but I want it to be as good as possible.

“What I want, by having an obviously very strong eleven, is that this eleven is at least as strong with the five possible changes.”

Galtier also commented on Kylian Mbappe, who himself looked to be on the move away from Paris until signing a new three-year contract in May.

The former Nice coach added: “We are not going to make him bear all the responsibility, he is a 23-year-old boy who has a certain mastery.

“He knows what people are going to expect from him but there are also other players around.

“Kylian knows what he wants, knows where he wants to go, what he wants to do with his career, so he has that pressure.”