"Rewarded for his efforts" "Had the opportunity and seized it" - Christophe Galtier lauds 2 PSG stars after 3-1 Troyes win
Christophe Galtier lauded Warren Zaire-Emery and Hugo Ekitike after Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) 3-1 Ligue 1 win against Troyes yesterday (May 7).
Zaire-Emery has been one of Les Parisiens' breakout stars this season, appearing in 22 league matches. He was handed just his fifth league start this season when he was named on the team sheet in the right-wing-back position.
The teenager completed all three of his dribbles, completed 65 passes with a 97% accuracy and won eight of his 14 ground duels. Ekitike, meanwhile, started up front alongside Kylian Mbappe in Lionel Messi's absence.
The Argentina icon is currently suspended by the club for taking an unauthorized trip to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The French striker joined PSG on a season-long loan from Stade Reims last summer with an option to turn the deal permanent for around €35 million.
Ekitike, 20, played 80 minutes, managing six shots and creating two goal-scoring chances. After the game, Galtier praised the young French duo and told reporters, via Canal Supporters:
"Hugo was very helpful, very fair technically and made a lot of effort. He could have been happier. But he was very interesting in a team structure that suits him. I am happy for him, he is rewarded for his efforts. He had this opportunity, he seized it. As for Warren, he worked well this week, he's a very young player, he's been very good."
Ekitike, who has four goals and three assists in 29 games across competitions this term, can expect more playing time next season. Messi, after all, is touted to move to Barcelona as a free agent this summer. But for that, PSG will have to trigger the buy-option in the French forward's contract.
Galtier wary PSG have not won Ligue 1 title yet this season
Christophe Galtier is under no misconceptions about Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) role in the Ligue 1 title race this season.
They currently have 78 points from 34 games, leading second-placed Lens by four points. Given their quality, hardly anyone expects the Paris-based giants to give away a four-point lead this late in the season.
Galtier, however, is wary that Lens still have a shot at the league trophy. Speaking after his team's 3-1 win against Troyes, the French tactician said, via the aforementioned source:
"No [title is not won yet], there are 12 points left to distribute. We receive Ajaccio next week, we remain on big underperformance at home. I don't see Lens making any missteps. You don't have to do that either."
Goals from Kylian Mbappe, Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz were enough to hand PSG a vital three points at the Parc des Princes.