Hugo Ekitike’s very discreet start to the season bothers Christophe Galtier, who expects more from the former Rémois.
His transfer will not be formalized until next summer, since he is currently on loan from Stade de Reims, officially. But Hugo Ekitike is a player on whom the Paris Saint Germain bet 35 million euros, and who is particularly discreet on the ground. No goals, few brilliant actions, and reduced playing time: only one tenure, against Nice, for only 159 minutes in total since the start of the season, in all competitions.
For Christophe Galtier, the timid beginnings of Ekitike are a problem, because the Parisian coach, during the season, will need the services of the one who is the only real substitute striker in the squad. “I had a long discussion with him last week. He can’t be happy with his playing time. I told him I had some responsibility but so did he.”explained Galtier at a press conference this Friday, relays RMC.
“A talented player”, but…
The PSG coach has found extenuating circumstances for his young striker (20), who suffered an injury this summer, and who is struggling to represent a credible alternative to the Mbappé-Messi-Neymar trio. “We took great care of him on a physical level because he arrived late for the preparation, recalls Galtier. With our attacking trio, it takes a lot of investment, resilience, not giving up. As soon as we play in place of one of the three in front, there is a comparison. They are world class players. »
However, Galtier would like his n°44 to be more « visible » when he calls her. “I had asked him to get closer in the game, to have a connection with our midfielders and our attacking players, explains the Parisian coach, who does not hide that he expects more from his striker. He is a talented player, who must compensate for his lack of playing time in training, by putting more rhythm and intensity. »
Galtier wants more from his player, but he explains that it is also up to PSG to make sure to place him in the best conditions. “After our exchange, I asked that we be very attentive to his workloads, to the requirement imposed on him during the week, to release him during the match and that he play more minutes. than currently. »
