Like at home, or almost.
Before his big return to Lille, less than two months after leaving the North, Christophe Galtier had warned: "The emotional side or what happened last season is already on the side".
100% focused on the sporting issue of this second day of Ligue 1, the former coach of the Mastiffs promised that he would not have feelings during the meeting between Lille and his new club Nice.
But feelings, and gratitude, the Pierre-Mauroy stadium was overflowing for the one who offered him the title of champion of France last season.
Lille supporters did not fail to pay tribute to Galtier, with a banner in the stands.
"For maintaining the title, thank you Galette", proudly displayed the south stand, while children presented on the lawn the Hexagoal trophy of champion of France as well as the Trophy of the champions to the supporters.
🏆🏆🏆 Lille supporters were treated to a nice surprise before the meeting between @losclive and @ OGCNice! #PrimeVideo #LOSCOGCN pic.twitter.com/5jSVQuodUt
- Prime Video Sport France (@PVSportFR) August 14, 2021
Galtier puts on the right costume from the start
A gesture of love greeted on social networks by the mayor of the city, Martine Aubry.
“Very well-deserved tribute from LOSC supporters to Christophe Galtier at the start of the LOSC-OGC Nice meeting.
She tweeted.
Widely applauded in his former champion arena but behind closed doors last year, the 54-year-old technician appreciated and thanked his former audience.
A first tribute to Christophe Galtier in the South stand.
#LOSCOGCN pic.twitter.com/75gbc2BpAK
- Olivier Fosseux (@ofosseux) August 14, 2021
Before diving into his game.
And ostensibly exulting during the two early goals scored by his Aiglons in five minutes (Dolberg 1st, Boudaoui 5th).
Because once the match starts, there are no more feelings that hold.