Messi scores as Galtier tastes first victory as PSG manager

The new PSG boss won his first game in charge of PSG’s star-studded squad.

Paris Saint-Germain defeated Kawasaki Frontale in a friendly match on Wednesday.

Lionel Messi and Arnaud Kalimuendo scored as Christophe Galtier’s side defeated the Japanese side 2-1. A crowd of over 60,000 witnessed the new manager’s first match in charge of PSG after his move from Nice earlier this summer.

Galtier admits his side could have conceded more goals against Kawasaki. However, he believes the PSG players might need more time to adapt to his style of play.

Speaking to L’Equipe, he said: “It was a very fast-paced game against a team that is in the middle of its championship, so physically, tactically and technically ready.

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“Concerning us, there were good offensive combinations. I liked the way my players put pressure on the pitch loud and clear, which allowed us to be dangerous and create a lot of situations for ourselves.

“We are evolving in a new system, in 3-4-1-2, so we have to assimilate it. We experienced a lot of imbalances and thus conceded far too many situations on our goal.

“It’s a big line of work for the coming weeks. We want to be able to have a lot of people [involved] offensively and at the same time to be able to keep a fair balance.

“You have to try to quickly find adjustments and compensations to avoid being caught in transition situations.”

PSG will face Urawa Red Diamonds in their next pre-season friendly on Saturday.