Charismatic and keen on communicating, Losc coach Christophe Galtier, 54, co-leader of the championship with Lyon before the break, is reaping the benefits of a method that combines his individual qualities with the experience of those around him.
A method that will once again be put to the test after the recent upheaval due to the sale of the club by Gérard Lopez and its takeover by the investment fund Merlyn Partners - and the appointment of Olivier Létang as president.
"He is a natural and modern leader," according to Thierry Oleksiak, Christophe Galtier's loyal assistant since 2015 and his Saint-Etienne years.
At the head of a team whose project he successfully embodies, “Galette” - his nickname - is based on a method that he has developed since his mandate with the Greens from 2009 to 2017.
Advancing the finds of Campos
Since arriving at Losc in 2017, Galtier has had to adapt each season to a workforce renewed by Luis Campos.
Still in office officially, the adviser to ex-president Lopez has not set foot at the club for many weeks.
Despite these hazards, Galtier "has managed to create a real team spirit," says Sven Botman, 20, arrived this summer from Ajax Amsterdam and already announced from England.
We feel very strong collectively.
It's a success for the group, but also for the coach.
"
The coach does not get involved in the transfer window, to focus on the game, management and progress of young people, at the heart of the Lille project.
“He understands the young generation, its desires, its needs,” explains Thierry Oleksiak.
Football has changed a lot.
The mobile phone is a subject, like the entourage of many players, their media coverage, money… ”The success of Victor Osimhen last season (18 goals), who left in July in Naples for 80 million euros, once again highlighted the synergy of the Galtier-Campos duo.
But the recent institutional change signaled the end of the model based on player trading, namely the purchase of young players with high potential resold with significant capital gains.
“From what I hear and discussions with President Olivier Létang, we are no longer on this model of project, recognized Galtier.
But at some point it will be necessary to sell players, like all French clubs.
Is this a good thing or not?
It's difficult… I can't tell you if it's good or bad news, it's a different project.
"
Manage talents and egos
Biggest transfer in club history, arriving this summer for almost 30 million euros, Canadian Jonathan David did not have the same thunderous debut as Osimhen.
In full doubt, the 20-year-old striker was nevertheless able to count on the public support of his coach, before opening his counter against Lorient (4-0) a month and a half ago.
No favoritism so far, and it does not matter if the charismatic attacker Burak Yilmaz, under the influence of anger, gets carried away at the time of his replacement during the draw against Nice (1-1) on October 25, before s' excuse.
"Galtier invests to the same degree with everyone," says Thierry Oleksiak.
Head-to-head, he will give thirty minutes to a holder and thirty minutes to a replacement.
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Proximity and permanent dialogue
A concern for justice and consideration maintained with the players, but also with all the employees of the club.
“He unites around him, describes his deputy, also his teammate in Angers during the 1993-1994 season.
He's someone who listens and has participatory management, so it's quite rewarding for the people who work around him.
“During last season, the departure of two of his assistants to Tottenham was seen by Galtier as a betrayal, proof of the confidence he places in those around him.
Arrived in the wake to replace them, the Portuguese Jorge Maciel is very close to José Fonte or Renato Sanches.
“Manager is knowing how to switch from listening to a more directive register, even angry if necessary, summarizes Thierry Oleksiak.
It's natural for Christophe, he has that in him.
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