PSG vs. Lens: Christophe Galtier pre-match press conference

After beating Nice (2-0) on the road last weekend, PSG will face their demons in their return to the Parc des Princes where they lost their last two games in a row against Rennes and Lyon with the international break smacked right in between those two matches.

This is the hardest opponent on PSG's schedule through the remainder of the season, and victory on Saturday could mean putting the Ligue 1 race to bed when the MD31 of the campaign is over by Sunday.

That's because Lens sit in second place at a six-point distance, so a defeat here would see them fall nine points behind league-leaders PSG in a rather definitive outcome that could seal the 11th Ligue 1 title for a PSG team that would just need to wait a few more weeks to clinch once and for all.

Not only under scrutiny for his rather mediocre results but also because of some damning reports emerging earlier this week pegging him as an Islamophobic racist, Christophe Galtier is surely trying to keep his head above the water and win the only title still at PSG's reach.

Coach Galtier attended the pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon.

Here are some of the most interesting nuggets ahead of the match against Lens scheduled for Saturday in the return of PSG to the Parc des Princes for MD31 of the Ligue 1 season.

How important was the win against Nice last weekend?

"It was important for us to get back to winning ways after two poor performances at home. We were able to turn things around by playing in a different way than in the previous games. With this victory, we regained confidence and were able to work calmly on the pitch. The players were focused and attentive."

After everything that has happened this week, could you focus on training with PSG?

"It was very hard, but I sought refuge in the work with my players and my staff to work in the best possible way before this big game. It allowed me to escape from what was being said about me. I didn't talk to my players about this. However, they provided me with the best response: full commitment to the training sessions. I have had many messages of support, and I have also seen public support from the directors, players, and coaches in particular. These are such difficult moments that makes you appreciate these messages."

"We're talking about something outside of sport here, so I obviously didn't expect to experience this when I arrived at the club. I knew that in this position I would be under a lot of pressure, comments, analysis, and criticism. But the most important thing is my job and my relationship with the players. I have read the press releases from the supporters' groups. I have no doubt that all the fans and the Parc des Princes will be behind the team to get this important victory. I enjoyed being with my group to prepare for this big Ligue 1 clash. Everyone is looking forward to this game. My players have been very focused. They were focused and involved throughout the week."

Is the game against Lens on Saturday a pivotal one? Can you get a positive result?

"We'll have to be better than in our last few games in terms of technique. We will also have to have more presence in the opponent's box. Lens are a team with a very good defense, but they are also a team that attacks in numbers. In the first game, we found it difficult to break through their pressure and we were caught off guard. We'll have to be able to get back into position quickly to contain the opposition's transitions. We know that they are one of the best teams in this league."

"They have been in great form all season. This is due to the players but also to the work of the coach Franck Haise for a number of seasons. Lens press a lot and are very active in recovering the ball. Then, they like transitions. We'll have to be very careful and focused on these phases, which we didn't do well in the first leg. It's important to have a great performance on Saturday night."