TOKYO (AFP) – Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) star-studded squad landed in Japan yesterday for a three-game tour against local teams, with new manager Christophe Galtier hoping to make a strong start with the French giants.
PSG, featuring attacking trio Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi, will take on J-League sides Kawasaki Frontale, Urawa Reds and Gamba Osaka during their 10-day stay in Japan.
Galthier will lead PSG for the first time since arriving from Nice to take over from Mauricio Pochettino in the summer, and the 55-year-old is eager to get started.
“We have three games against very good opposition,” Galthier said at a Tokyo press conference in front of around 100 reporters.
“Japanese football is at a very high level, with players with good technique and speed.”
PSG have brought a squad of 25 players to Japan, and they touched down at Tokyo’s Haneda airport shortly before midday.
The team are scheduled to hold football clinics and open a new academy during their time in Japan.
Their first game will be on Wednesday at Tokyo’s National Stadium against reigning J-League champions Kawasaki.
Messi said Japanese football had “taken some big steps forward”.
“They’re very organised and competitive,” said the Argentine star.
“They have become much more physically competitive.”
