Christophe Galtier would represent a step up for Celtic

By Euan Davidson

May 29, 2021

Imagine you’d just won Ligue 1 against incredible odds: you’d resign, wouldn’t you?

No? Well then, that’s what separates you from former Lille boss Christophe Galtier. The man who just denied billionaire outfit PSG another Ligue 1 crown resigned on Wednesday [Sky Sports], and it’s hard to imagine Celtic landing a more ideal candidate.

Galtier, who yesterday turned down the vacant job at Lyon [Get French Football News], is surely on the list of several clubs around Europe. Working with popular Sporting Director Luis Campos, Lille soared to their first title in a decade, and Les Dogues’ fourth in their entire history.

Utilising talents like Timo Weah, Yusuf Yazici and AC Milan-bound goalkeeper Mike Maignon [BBC], Galtier may not have won at Celtic Park this season, but he’s earned the adoration of French football fans. He told L’Equipe upon his resignation from Lille:

“I am quite simply convinced that I have done my time here. That this four-year cycle is long enough for a coach.

“Having done four years, I feel inside that it’s time to leave this beautiful club, this magnificent club … I’m leaving Lille with an incredible result, I need something else. I don’t want to fall into a routine.”

Christophe Galtier, who’s just left Lille / (Photo by Sylvain Lefevre/Getty Images)

Christophe Galtier: a perfect option for Celtic

In terms of pedigree, Galtier is a well-established, top-level coach. Normally utilising an attacking 4-2-3-1, Galtier is tactically adaptable, but prefers to play on the front foot. Having only managed two clubs, Galtier may be seeking opportunities outside of France for the first time.

His spell at Saint-Etienne helped to re-establish a fallen French giant. He took a club facing relegation to seven consecutive top 10 Ligue 1 finishes. Additionally, he got the side into Europe, before taking the Lille job in 2017. While reports claim he could take over at OGC Nice [RMC], there is still time for the Bhoys to make a considerable offer to the Ligue 1 winner.

While talks with Ange Postecoglou are still ongoing, there are concerns about his accreditation [Sydney Morning Herald]. Australian coaching badges continue to lack recognition from UEFA, which could pose the Bhoys a real problem, and yet another embarrassment to add to a traumatic week for the club.

Galtier meanwhile, is a recent league winner, who has worked incredibly well with limited budgets in comparison to his direct competitors. Star striker Victor Osimhen was sold in 2020 [ESPN], and Lille are in the bizarre position of having won a title while actually recouping finances. That’s remarkable going.

He works well with a Sporting Director, his tactics fit the Celtic methodology, and he’s available. Celtic should act fast.

READ MORE: “He can absolutely deliver”; Japanese football expert speaks to 67HH about Celtic candidate Ange Postecoglou