Galtier's pre-Celtic comments: Weah will start, "hairdressers" will not

By Euan Davidson

December 9, 2020

Lille OSC boss Christophe Galtier is clearly good at press conferences.

While he answered questions about team selection, injuries and wanting to finish first, Galtier’s quotes made for interesting reading.

Via Lille’s official website, Galtier said (translated quotes have been edited for clarity):

“In my opinion, it is important to finish first.  Apart from the economic aspect, but also surely to be a little protected during the draw.

We do not go to Celtic by presenting a team of hairdressers. We are first, we have made a lot of effort and great performance to be so and we must fight to keep this place.”

On the potential selection of former Celt Timothy Weah, Galtier added:

“Is it the fact that we are facing Celtic, one of his former clubs, which will encourage me to start him? No. It is his form which encourages me to start him. He’s a well-educated boy who probably also receives good advice from his Dad.”

Timothy Weah at Celtic / (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Lost in translation?

Perhaps there are some French idioms we’re missing here, but these are interesting comments by Galtier all the same.

Yesterday, we offered our report on Lille, who are in confident mood after a 2-1 win over Monaco (ESPN). Beating Kovac’s team kept Lille at 2nd in Ligue 1, chasing PSG.

Firmly focussed on progressing in first place from Group H, the French side will be determined to take no prisoners at Celtic Park tomorrow night. A side on hot form, it would be foolish to bet against Lille taking all three points on this occasion.

Celtic have only won twice in 12 matches, and are rooted to the bottom of their Europa League group.

The sight of Timothy Weah will be bittersweet for Celtic supporters. The US international, son of George Weah, former FIFA World Player of the Year (FIFA) and current President of Liberia, had a mixed spell for the Bhoys.

It would be particularly sore to see the ex-Celtic loanee score at Celtic Park in different colours. There’s a feeling of inevitability about Weah scoring in this match.

Celtic v Lille will be shown on BT Sport 3HD from 8pm. For instant post-match reaction, subscribe to 67 Hail Hail on YouTube.