Christophe Galtier admits PSG are 'worried' about Bayern Munich clash
By Tom Gott
Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier has conceded that he is worried about the prospect of facing Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich in the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday.
The Parisians have endured a real slump in 2023, having won just five of their ten games across all competitions since the turn of the year.
Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Monaco was PSG's second straight loss after their Coupe de France humbling against fierce rivals Marseille - hardly the best preparation for a meeting with one of Europe's most feared teams.
While Galtier admitted he has a lot of work to do to prepare his side, he urged fans to be realistic and understand the toll that injuries and a stomach bug had taken on the team before their latest defeat.
"If I wasn't worried, it'd be a serious problem," Galtier said after the game. "We will see if some absentees can start the match on Tuesday.
"We have a busy schedule with a weakened squad. Yes, we're worried, but you have to stay clear. I understand the anger of the fans, but in these difficult times, we need unity.
"This morning, we had to make and remake the lineup in relation to the health of certain players. The team that lined up had a totally different look to usual. We thought about the team but we had to modify it because some could not start.
"There is no room for doubt, but there is the observation which cannot be concealed in the current circumstance. It will be a very important match against a Bayern Munich side who are recovering. We have to talk less, work more and be fair with our analysis."
Galtier also doubled down on his insistence that injured forward Kylian Mbappe will not be available to face Bayern, despite claims from the German side's camp that concerns about his injury may have been exaggerated.
"I do not think [Mbappe will play]," the boss insisted.
"He is following his rehabilitation protocol. He suffered a major muscle injury. We don't want to take any risks with Kylian, but we're hoping to recover both Marco Verratti and Leo [Messi], and those who were on the bench here should be able to start the match."