Galtier on Juventus failings and PSG Champions League ambitions

Paris Saint-Germain coach Christophe Galtier explains why he believes Juventus failed to progress in the Champions League and hopes this can be ‘our year’ in the competition.

It kicks off on Wednesday at the Allianz Juventus Stadium at 20.00 GMT.

While PSG and Benfica have already secured their passage to the Round of 16, Juventus face competition from Maccabi Haifa for third place and the Europa League.

As ever with the French giants, the season begins with very high expectations and a history that has always let them down in this tournament.

“There are big expectations this year, it is a squad of great champions and there’s a lot of experience,” said Galtier in his press conference.

“Unfortunately, we have never won this prestigious trophy, which is so difficult to win and at times you see crazy games that can be turned upside down in a moment.

“PSG could be close to winning, we hope this is our year.”

Presnel Kimpembe and Keylor Navas did not make the trip to Turin after picking up minor injuries in training.

“Qualification for the Round of 16 was an obligation for us. Being top of the group will be very important, especially when it comes to the draw. It is a fundamental objective and we are concentrated on that.

“We won’t forget also that Juventus, albeit eliminated, need to qualify for the Europa League. They will fight tooth and nail to achieve this target, as they have history and pride.

“There have been difficult moments for both these clubs in their history. We certainly didn’t come into this assuming Juve are already beaten. We are here to win and must fight for the group leadership.”

Galtier was asked why he believes Juventus failed to make it past the group stage for the first time in a decade.

“I simply think they were missing the necessary squad from start to finish for this type of game. The absence of Paul Pogba and Federico Chiesa is fundamental, the chain of various situations weakened Juventus, both on a technical level and mentally.

“The Champions League requires 110 per cent and since the start of the season Juventus have always had these problems. I think that was the main reason.”