Christophe Galtier on rejecting Marseille: ‘It was the most difficult moment of my career.’

Christophe Galtier’s Marseillais routes were a point of controversy when he became manager of Paris Saint-Germain back in 2022. The Frenchman spent one year on the bench at the Parc des Princes, however, he has always harboured a desire to manage Olympique de Marseille. As Galtier told L’Équipe, he almost did just that. 

Amidst an ongoing investigation into accusations of racism and harassment, dating back to his time as manager at OGC Nice, Galtier joined Qatari side Al-Duhail back in October 2023. It was within this context that Galtier was approached, by Marseille (also in October) regarding the managerial role at the club, in the wake of Marcelino’s premature departure from the club. 

However, Galtier turned down the proposal. He has now revealed the reason behind rejecting OM. “It was strange. The day that I made the decision not to join Marseille was the most difficult day of my career […] The timing wasn’t right he began,” referencing his upcoming court date (December 2023) on the aforementioned charges. “I felt deep down that I couldn’t sign […] The pressure was about to reach a crescendo and I was going to spend all my energy on my defence (in court). People have to understand that my refusal was a huge mark of respect for the club and President Pablo (Longoria). I know that took it like that,” he added. 

The OM job will be available again this summer with Jean-Louis Gasset set to depart after his interim period. So is there still a chance of seeing Galtier at the Vélodrome? “No comment,” he tells L’Équipe. Still under contract at Al-Duhail in Qatar, the recently-acquitted Galtier may be considering a return to Europe this summer. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle