“It’s important to put our words into action” – Christophe Galtier lauds PSG’s youngest debutant after Messi & Co. demolish Clermont Foot
Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier has praised Warren Zaire-Emery following his debut in their 5-0 win over Clermont Foot on Ligue 1 opening weekend.
Having come on in the 82nd minute for Marco Verratti — now the second most capped player in PSG history — Zaire-Emery, aged 16 years and 151 days old, subsequently became the club’s youngest player beating the record previously held by El Chadaille Bitshiabu, who played in a Coupe de France match against Feignies-Aulnoye last December aged 16 years 7 months and 3 days old.
The former academy graduate is also the first 2006-born player to play in a Ligue 1 game.
The defensive midfielder would not impact on the match but head coach Galtier was nonetheless complimentary. “Words are always flattering for a player. Warren is a very serious player and he was very good during the preparation,” he told Canal+ “I had to give him his first minutes in Ligue 1. I think he is one of the youngest PSG players to play in the Championship. It’s important to put our words into action.”
It was a substitution that came at an opportune time as PSG had raced into a 4-0 lead. Neymar, Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos and Lionel all got on the scoresheet before Zaire-Emery stepped onto the pitch. Messi would then complete his brace with an impressive overhead kick thus ensuring the champions begin their defence on a successful note.
“I spoke with Leo during our time in Japan and I also talked with my attacking players to make sure that he could perform well all the time,” Galtier added.
“Leo has a very sharp tactical sense, very clear. He has vision. He quickly sees where he has to go. The way he defends, the way he positions himself to play with others. He can get into the zone. He likes to play with the players he has around him.
“From there, when Leo smiles obviously, the team smiles too.”
