Christophe Galtier was relieved to see his Paris Saint-Germain side bounce back from an "average" first half to beat Maccabi Haifa 3-1 in Champions League Group H on Wednesday.

The Ligue 1 champions fell behind to Tiaronn Chery's strike midway through the first half, but they went in at the break level thanks to Lionel Messi's close-range finish.

The Argentinian's goal saw him move clear of long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo as the player to have scored against the highest number of opponents in the Champions League (39).

It also meant he became the first player in history to score in 18 different Champions League seasons.

Kylian Mbappe and Neymar added to Messi's goal in the second half as PSG won their opening two matches in a Champions League campaign for the first time since 2019-20 under Thomas Tuchel, when they went on to reach the final.

While Galtier was unimpressed with his side's below-par display in the first half, he praised his players for the way they reacted to his instructions after the break.

"We had two or three big situations in the first period and they had some too; they pushed hard in what was a big atmosphere," he told RMC Sport 1.

"We were not well organised and we were quickly cut in two. It made for a very difficult first period. We had to rectify things and after the break we were much more compact.

"The opponents are always of very good quality in the Champions League. We had to react after the first period which was average, especially on a tactical level.

"We were cut open, our team block was low and Maccabi pushed high. From the moment the front three went down to get back in the block, we were better.

"It was not a question of lack of effort, but a question of poor analysis of the pressure between our midfielders and our attacking trio."

Mbappe's strike means he has now scored 30 goals in 46 Champions League games for PSG, taking him level with Edinson Cavani as the club's highest scorer in the competition.

Like his coach, the 23-year-old was not impressed with PSG's first half and says they need to improve quickly. 

"We fell asleep a bit and we conceded this first goal," he told Canal+. "Then we reacted well. We started to install our game and make differences. We were able to score the second and seal the win at the end with the third. 

"We have to improve. We will have to work. We work during the week but now we have to get results quickly because the important things will happen quickly, like the World Cup."

Neymar has roared back to form for Paris Saint-Germain after accepting he fell short of his high standards last season, according to coach Christophe Galtier.

The Brazil star has been PSG's outstanding forward, managing 10 goals and seven assists in eight starts and one substitute appearance so far.

He is close to matching last season's returns already, having scored a modest 13 times and assisted eight goals in 28 games during the 2021-22 campaign.

It has been a return to the Neymar of his prime Barcelona days, and PSG are enjoying the benefits.

"I think it would be disrespectful to think it is just down to me and my technical staff," Galtier said. "Neymar has an awareness of the fact that his performances were not as good last season.

"He has high targets. He came back fit at the start of pre-season. He worked very hard before that. My staff and I decided to play him in the best position to be an artist.

"When Neymar is in a good state mentally and physically, that is what he does and that is how he performs well. The key thing to understand is that, as the coach, he is a player who works extremely hard for the team both going forward and in terms of winning the ball back."

Galtier's team will play Maccabi Haifa on Wednesday in their second Champions League group game, having made a winning start last week against Juventus.

The teams have only met twice before in European competition, with both of those games coming in the Cup Winners' Cup first round in 1998-99. The side from Israel won 4-3 on aggregate but go into this rematch with few expecting them to get the better of star-studded opposition.

Maccabi Haifa have lost each of their last seven Champions League games, going down by an aggregate score of 10-0. Only one team in the history of the Champions League have lost eight in a row while failing to score each time, with Dinamo Zagreb doing so between November 2015 and December 2016.

For PSG, Kylian Mbappe has either scored or assisted in each of his last nine Champions League games (8 goals, 4 assists). He has found the net in each of his last five games, his longest scoring streak in the competition.

As well as Mbappe and Neymar, PSG can also call on Lionel Messi, who is set to face Israeli competition for the first time in the Champions League. A goal in this game would make Messi the outright leader for the most different sides scored against by one player in the Champions League. He is currently on 38, level with Cristiano Ronaldo.

PSG are back in Israel barely six weeks after playing the Trophee des Champions match in Tel Aviv, where they beat Nantes 4-0, with Messi and Neymar both among the goals.

"While we had the support of the Israeli fans for the Trophee des Champions, this time we will be playing in a stadium that will be behind its team," Galtier said.

"It will be a heated atmosphere. In terms of the Israeli league, I am convinced every team in Europe is hard to play against. Everyone tries to raise the bar, and Israeli football has significantly improved with coaches who are well travelled and can take what they have seen elsewhere and bring in foreign players that boost their teams."

PSG are without injured defender Presnel Kimpembe, and Galtier is deliberating over whether to persist with his 3-5-2 formation after losing such a key figure.

Missing out on prime target Milan Skriniar in the transfer window, when Inter held firm, is looking increasingly like a major blow for the French side.

"We wanted an extra centre-back because it's a crazy schedule now," Galtier said. "We were right about that. I understand that the president couldn't change the stance of Inter, and we are going to work with the squad that we have here.

"I have some versatile players, and we will see how it goes. Will we have to change the system? Possibly. We also have some very good young players who can slot in to the upcoming games. That is why it was important for us and for [football advisor] Luis Campos to get that centre-back, but unfortunately we did not manage to."

Presnel Kimpembe is set for a spell on the sidelines after injuring his hamstring in a rash challenge that left Brest coach Michel Der Zakarian furious.

Kimpembe was already on a booking in the closing stages of Paris Saint-Germain's 1-0 win on Saturday when he lunged in on Irvin Cardona.

The France defender somehow escaped punishment, but he went away clutching his hamstring and left PSG down to 10 men regardless as he departed down the tunnel for treatment with all five substitutions already used.

It now appears likely Kimpembe will not play against either Maccabi Haifa or Lyon ahead of an international break for which he will also be a doubt.

"He suffers from a muscle injury," coach Christophe Galtier said. "He will have tests and we will wait within 48 hours to see the severity."

Yet that news was of little consolation to Der Zakarian, who had earlier seen Islam Slimani's penalty saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma.

It was for that foul that Kimpembe was initially booked, and the Brest coach suggested there would have been a very different response from the officials had one of his cautioned players acted so rashly in stoppage time.

"The linesman is in front of it – he's like me," Der Zakarian said. "We're all five metres from the action with the fourth official and the linesman.

"When he tackles... the noise, everyone heard it. And the linesman didn't even call a foul!

"Yes, he must receive a card, minimum yellow. If he gets a yellow, he is sent off, since he has already taken one. If it's us, we're out. But it's Paris."

Gianluigi Donnarumma remains the clear first-choice goalkeeper at Paris Saint-Germain, coach Christophe Galtier indicated on Friday as he defended the error-prone Italian.

On the eve of a Ligue 1 clash with Brest, Galtier was asked whether he might consider rotating his keepers and give veteran Keylor Navas a fresh chance to stake a claim.

Donnarumma was exposed in PSG's Champions League game against Juventus on Tuesday, when Galtier said it was forgetfulness that led to the visitors pulling back to 2-1 early in the second half.

From a short corner routine on the left, Filip Kostic crossed into the heart of the penalty area and Donnarumma came for the ball but failed to get close, allowing Weston McKennie the chance to head into a near-unguarded net.

The goal came just moments after Kylian Mbappe threatened to put PSG 3-0 up but shot into the side-netting, with strike partner Neymar crying out for a pass.

PSG did not concede again, so it was an error that did not prove too costly on the night, and Galtier is determined to back the 23-year-old Donnarumma.

"There will not be rotation in the goalkeeping position," said the former Lille, Nice and Saint-Etienne boss.

"We often forget that Gianluigi Donnarumma is still a young goalkeeper, even if he has been playing for quite a while. He often forgets that things can happen from a corner, and he misjudged it the other day, but he also made two brilliant saves. Of course, I've spoken to him about it.

"I always hope to have a goalkeeper who comes out for set-pieces and is very present in the box. He has the physique, technical quality, the jumping ability, so I don't want that mistake from a corner to stop him doing what I want to see from him."

Donnarumma was a European Championship winner with Italy last year, but he has a howler in him. Since joining PSG as a free agent in July 2021, the former Milan keeper has played 32 games and committed four errors leading to shots, two of which have cost his team a goal.

That is certainly not the worst record among goalkeepers from Europe's top five leagues, with 13 making more errors resulting in shots and 21 conceding more goals through mistakes since August 1, 2021.

However, it is far from the very elite level, with Manchester City's Ederson one of six goalkeepers with 30 or more appearances across all competitions to make no errors leading to a shot or goal.

Navas, the 35-year-old now serving as deputy, has made just one error, which led to a goal, across 26 appearances during Donnarumma's time in Paris.

The goalkeepers were rotated last season by Mauricio Pochettino, but that policy has been shelved by new boss Galtier.

It is seemingly only the goalkeeping role that Galtier is not inclined to switch around from game to game, as he said on Friday that others will be coming in and out of the team in the coming weeks, as PSG contend with Ligue 1 and Champions League commitments.

"I don't like the work rotation, but we need freshness," Galtier said. "That will happen automatically because I have a squad that is ready and available with quality. We will need freshness, so the team can continue to perform well."

Kylian Mbappe and Neymar were spoken to privately by Paris Saint-Germain boss Christophe Galtier following their latest on-pitch contretemps.

The PSG forwards have begun the season in fine scoring form, but their relationship has faced intense scrutiny after appearing fractious at times.

It has again come under the microscope after Neymar's upset reaction to Mbappe ignoring the chance to feed him a pass for a likely tap-in in the 2-1 Champions League win over Juventus.

That moment early in the second half of Tuesday's game saw Mbappe charge in from the right flank after receiving a pass from Lionel Messi and blaze a shot wide, rather than square the ball for the advancing Neymar. With two goals already in the game, the France international was chasing a hat-trick.

Mbappe faced criticism earlier in the season for his actions during the 5-2 win over Montpellier, which included a public argument with Neymar.

Frenchman Mbappe missed a penalty in that game but felt he should have another chance from 12 yards when PSG were awarded a second spot-kick, only for Neymar to disagree, taking responsibility and scoring.

A seemingly sulky Mbappe then did not celebrate a goal of his own, and after the Juventus game Galtier had a familiar topic on his hands once more.

The PSG head coach said on Friday: "The relationship is very good. That is the truth. They are often together in training.

"Yes, there is a situation in a match, but having spoken to Kylian Mbappe yesterday – and I have also spoken to Ney – but from the discussion with Kylian Mbappe there were two moments: there was the first acceleration when there was possibly a chance to pass the ball but it was more difficult, and the second time was when Kylian Mbappe got into the box and did not see Ney.

"When you see the clip it looks simple, but at the time he had to make a decision. Kylian Mbappe was focused on the ball for shooting. I am convinced that Kylian Mbappe will get assists for Neymar, just as Neymar is capable of performing assists for Kylian Mbappe.

"There is nothing else negative about that since that piece of play in the game."

Neymar has seven goals and six assists from five starts and one substitute appearance in Ligue 1 this season, while Mbappe has seven goals from five starts but has yet to set up a goal for a team-mate.

Mbappe said ahead of the Juventus game that his relationship with Neymar had in the past "been colder or hotter" with moments where they have been "best friends" and others where they have been more distant.

Galtier could rest one or more of his strikeforce when PSG play Brest in Ligue 1 on Saturday, ahead of Wednesday's Champions League trip to Maccabi Haifa.

Asked whether he could considering resting all three of his star forwards – Messi, Neymar and Mbappe – Galtier's response was a punchy "No!".

But he confirmed one could miss out, saying: "That is possible."

PSG have taken 16 points from six games so far, scoring 24 Ligue 1 goals already, with only Manchester City's Erling Haaland (10) scoring more league goals than Neymar and Mbappe in Europe's top five leagues.

Brest are the only team Neymar has played against in Ligue 1 without registering either a goal or an assist; however, he has faced them just once in his career to date.

Anything other than a convincing home win for the leaders against their 17th-placed visitors would be a surprise, with PSG having won each of their last nine Ligue 1 matches against Brest. Among current Ligue 1 sides, they only have a longer winning run against Angers (12 games).

Christophe Galtier insists he is not feeling any extra pressure to lead Paris Saint-Germain to a first Champions League title ahead of Tuesday's opening group stage match against Juventus.

Despite investing heavily since Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) completed their 2011 takeover of the club, PSG are yet to be crowned champions of Europe and have suffered several humiliating exits from the continent's premier competition.

Last season, Real Madrid produced the first of several extraordinary Champions League turnarounds at PSG's expense in the last 16, leading the Parisians' star attackers to be jeered by their own supporters in subsequent matches.

Mauricio Pochettino's reign as coach, meanwhile, never appeared likely to recover from that elimination, but successor Galtier is not worrying about the expectations in Paris.

"Do I think there is more pressure on me? Not at all. I accepted the pressure when I accepted this job, and coaching this magnificent team," Galtier said.

"Do I feel more pressure in this competition? No, not at all. I am really looking forward to being involved and showing what we are capable of. 

"I didn't say no pressure, but no extra pressure."

Asked whether PSG were the favourites to lift the trophy, Galtier added: "No. That would be disrespectful to the other teams. 

"There are always eight or nine who feel they can win the Champions League every year. Out of those, of course, there are favourites that do not go all the way. There have been surprises and incredible matches. 

"The club's ambition is to win it, whether we are favourites or not. The best players in the world are in this competition. It's as simple as that."

The 2022-23 campaign represents PSG's 11th consecutive season in the Champions League – among French clubs, only Lyon have ever had a longer uninterrupted run of qualifications for the tournament (12 from 2000-01 to 2011-12).

PSG have progressed from their group on each of their last 10 Champions League entries, last falling at the first hurdle in 2004-05.

While PSG's clash with Juventus represents one of the highlights of the Champions League's opening matchday, the hosts will be unable to welcome former winger Angel Di Maria back to the Parc des Princes after the Bianconeri new boy suffered a calf injury.

But Galtier is taking no pleasure from his absence, adding: "It's a shame that Di Maria cannot come back to the Parc des Princes. 

"He made history at this club, an exemplary player who performed very well. I can't say I am pleased that he is out because he is injured, I know he would have liked to play. 

"He brings his quality and experience, but I am convinced that whoever comes in will also be a top-level player."

PSG are looking to maintain a fine home record when they host the Bianconeri – the Parisians have only lost one of their last 30 home games in the Champions League group stage (24 wins, five draws), losing 2-1 to Manchester United in October 2020.

Paris Saint-Germain boss Christophe Galtier says people should not read too much into Neymar not starting the 3-0 Ligue 1 win over Nantes.

The Brazil international has been in sensational form at the start of the 2022-23 campaign, scoring seven goals in five appearances prior to Saturday's game at the Stade de la Beaujoire.

However, he watched on from the substitutes' bench as Kylian Mbappe put the Ligue 1 champions 2-0 up either side of a red card for Nantes wing-back Fabio, with Neymar introduced in place of Mbappe in the second half.

Nuno Mendes added a third after Neymar's shot had cannoned back off the post as PSG racked up 24 goals after their first six games.

That equalled the record for goals scored by a team in Europe's big five leagues at this stage of a season in the 21st century (Manchester City in 2019-20 and Bayern Munich in 2020-21).

Galtier rejected suggestions Neymar had been dropped, instead stating it was merely a consequence of normal squad rotation.

"You say that all this is new, but it is an obligation in relation to the busy schedule for everyone," he told Canal +.

"We play a lot, every three days then every four days. Everyone understands that they will not be able to play all the 95-minute matches.

"I spoke about it twice. The first time with each player, the second with the whole group, to tell them that it was okay to be like that and that you had to have the right attitude. And also value the participation of your team-mates."

Fabio's red card was his fourth since his Ligue 1 debut in September 2018 – only his team-mate Andrei Girotto (five) has a worse record in Ligue 1 over this period.

It came following an ugly lunge on PSG midfielder Vitinha, which saw the former Porto man immediately require treatment before being replaced by Renato Sanches. 

PSG start their Champions League campaign at home to Juventus on Tuesday and Galtier is unsure whether the 22-year-old will be fit enough to play. 

"He took a big hit on the kneecap, there is no twisting, no ligament risk, we will see if he can play on Tuesday," the PSG boss said. 

"It's coming fast, it's close. We will make sure to restore him well and see how he feels. Otherwise, we'll do it with someone else."

Christophe Galtier has not felt the need to approach Kylian Mbappe about his role in a saga involving Paul Pogba and his brother Mathias.

Mathias last week posted videos online promising to publish "great revelations" about Paul, his agent and France team-mate Mbappe.

In Mathias' Twitter posts, he claimed Paul had sought out a marabout to harm Mbappe with witchcraft.

The lawyers of Juventus midfielder Paul released a statement in response, claiming Mathias' comments had followed "threats and attempts of extortion by an organised gang against Paul Pogba".

Mbappe has not commented on his unknowing part in the affair, although it was reported he had contacted both men.

Regardless, Galtier, his Paris Saint-Germain coach, is not concerned.

"Could there be an impact on his performance, on his mind? I don't think so," Galtier said. "And when I say I don't think so, I don't know, because I have not broached the subject with Kylian.

"I didn't feel the need to; he performs well in matches, he's happy in training, he's fresh."

PSG may have their own issues to deal with after reports suggested there were tensions between Luis Campos and Antero Henrique – the two men tasked with transfers – over the failure to secure permanent exits for a number of unwanted players.

Galtier laughed when he was asked directly about the relationship between Campos and Henrique, but his response did not reference the latter.

"Since I have been here, I have been in permanent contact with the president and Luis Campos," he said.

"All the strategies and plans, we developed them together."

On the state of the squad, Galtier said: "With the president and Luis Campos, we had targeted what we thought should be changed.

"I had been very direct with the players. Many players have left, many on loan, but what is important for me is to work with the group."

In the same news conference, Galtier confirmed Keylor Navas – one of those expected to depart – would now be reintegrated into the squad and "play a few matches, like all number twos".

Paris Saint-Germain have further bolstered their midfield with the signing of Valencia's Carlos Soler.

Soler, who had spent his entire senior career with his hometown club, has penned a five-year contract with the Ligue 1 champions, who will reportedly pay €18million plus add-ons for his services.

The 25-year-old, who started out as a winger before moving into a more central role, scored 11 goals and added five assists in 32 league appearances for Los Che last term.

"I'm very happy! It’s a new adventure in my career. I feel very proud and I’m looking forward to starting work with my teammates, to meeting them, and giving everything for this shirt," he told the club's official website.

"On Tuesday, we're playing our first Champions League game at the Parc des Princes, and it'll be an opportunity for me to get to know it. I'm certain that it'll be a great party for everyone and for the fans."

The Spain international is the sixth new arrival of a busy transfer window at the Parc des Princes, and the fourth new midfielder signed by PSG after Vitinha, Renato Sanches and Fabian Ruiz.

Christophe Galtier's side saw their perfect start to the new season halted by a 1-1 draw with Monaco last time out, but are still top of the Ligue 1 table with 10 points from their first four games.

Soler's departure means Valencia have lost both of their joint-top goalscorers from the 2021-22 campaign after Goncalo Guedes was sold to Wolves, though James Rodriguez has been touted as a potential replacement for the PSG new boy.

Christophe Galtier would still prefer to add a defender to his Paris Saint-Germain squad before the transfer window closes despite seeing his side cruise to victory over Toulouse.

The Ligue 1 champions had slipped up with a 1-1 draw at home to Monaco on Sunday but were utterly dominant in a 3-0 away win on Wednesday.

Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Juan Bernat found the net in a game that saw PSG attempt 20 shots, with 13 of those hitting the target.

The margin of victory would have been much greater if not for a magnificent performance from Toulouse goalkeeper Maxime Dupe, who produced nine saves.

Toulouse had 14 shots of their own in an open game, with seven hitting the target, leading to questions about the PSG defence even after their emphatic display of superiority.

Asked if he would be happy going into the rest of the season without signing another defender before Thursday's transfer deadline, Galtier replied: "It would be better to have it [a new defender].

"It would be preferable. We always wanted it. We will see what will happen during the day."

But Galtier refused to say whether a move for Inter centre-back Milan Skriniar, with whom PSG have been heavily linked, is still possible.

"The transfer window is still open. But you shouldn't ask me the question," Galtier responded to a question about the Slovakia international. 

"I always ask to stay focused on preparing for matches."

Paris Saint-Germain have signed midfielder Fabian Ruiz from Napoli.

Fabian has agreed a five-year deal with the Ligue 1 champions, becoming their fifth new recruit in the transfer window following the arrivals of Vitinha, Renato Sanches, Nordi Mukiele and Hugo Ekitike.

The Spain international has ended a four-season stay at Napoli, where he lifted the 2019-20 Coppa Italia, as he moves to the French capital for a reported initial €21.5million fee.

Fabian said: "I'm very happy to sign for Paris Saint-Germain. It's a joy for me to start this new stage of my career in this country.

"And I'm proud to come to one of the best clubs in Europe with the best players in the world. It's a truly exciting challenge."

The 26-year-old scored seven goals and provided four assists as Napoli finished third in Serie A last season, completing more passes (1,966) than any other Partenopei player in the competition.

Since he joined Napoli in 2018, only Dries Mertens and Ruslan Malinovskyi (both 15) have scored more goals from outside the penalty area in Serie A than Fabian (13).

His arrival to bolster the PSG midfield, along with Portugal duo Sanches and Vitinha, comes after Christophe Galtier allowed Georginio Wijnaldum to join Roma.

Fabian's exit represents another blow for Napoli after the departures of key trio Mertens, Lorenzo Insigne and Kalidou Koulibaly.

Christophe Galtier has not given up hope of signing Milan Skriniar before the transfer window closes and confirmed Fabian Ruiz is "very close" to joining Paris Saint-Germain.

Skriniar has been high on PSG's list of targets, but the Ligue 1 champions have been unable to agree a deal for the Inter centre-back.

PSG head coach Galtier knows it will be difficult to lure Skriniar away from San Siro, but says "anything is possible".

"I can't tell you it's completely over," Galtier said when asked about PSG's chances of signing the Slovakia international. 

"In a transfer window, there are always surprises. Milan has been a target for a long time. Negotiations with Inter are very difficult. 

"You have to respect his position. But with two days to go, anything is possible."

Galtier expects a deal to sign midfielder Ruiz from Napoli to go through before long in what is shaping up to be a busy end to the window.

"There are just over 48 hours left before the transfer window closes," he said ahead of Wednesday's Ligue 1 encounter at Toulouse. "Some information comes out. 

"Fabian Ruiz is very close to PSG, but there will also be departures from our side. 

"It would have been better to have the recruits as soon as possible. We have been targeting the sectors we wanted to strengthen for a long time. 

"Fabian Ruiz, we had targeted him for a long time. But for now, he is still a Napoli player."

Galtier confirmed Leandro Paredes is on his way to Juventus, but gave little away about Napoli target Keylor Navas' future.

He said: "Leandro will not be part of the group [to face Toulouse]. I spoke with him after the [training] session. We know that he has reached an agreement with Juventus.

"He is currently a PSG player, but his mind is elsewhere. I made the decision not to put him in the group so that he could prepare for his departure and that I don't have a player who, perhaps, will leave the club [within] 24 hours. 

"With Keylor, we talk very often. He is a PSG goalkeeper and he will be in the squad."

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Christophe Galtier was thankful for no more penalty drama after Neymar equalised from the spot in the 1-1 draw with Monaco.

Neymar and Kylian Mbappe clashed in the 5-2 win over Montpellier on August 13 after the France international tried to take the ball off Neymar for a penalty, having already missed a spot-kick earlier in the game.

The two reportedly resolved the issue after the match, but there was potential for the situation to flare up again as PSG won another spot-kick when 1-0 down at home to Monaco on Sunday.

Neymar won it after being fouled by Guillermo Maripan, and picked himself up off the floor to fire home from 12 yards to level things up, before celebrating with Mbappe.

And Galtier was glad there was no more disagreement over penalty duties, telling Prime Video: "On this match, Kylian Mbappe was the number 1 penalty taker and Neymar was number 2.

"After talking with Kylian, I saw that he had been happy to congratulate Ney[mar]. This is how it should be.

"They are great players, it's up to them to feel it. The important thing is that he scored and that Kylian came to congratulate."

Paris Saint-Germain coach Christophe Galtier says the upcoming Champions League campaign will be a "new page" for the club but a "new book" for himself having learned the identity of their group stage opponents.

PSG were pitted against Juventus, Benfica and Maccabi Haifa in Group H in Thursday's draw as the club once again try to finally end their wait to lift European club football's most coveted prize.

Galtier does have previous experience of the Champions League, coaching Lille in the 2019-20 competition. However, being at the helm of a club expected to contend to win the tournament is a new experience for the former Saint-Etienne and Nice boss.

Asked how he is feeling ahead of his second Champions League campaign, Galtier said: "It's a new page for PSG, it's a new book for me. I am very motivated and determined, while staying focused. When you are the PSG coach, you want to be involved in these type of games.

"We know about the exposure and pressure in these games, I have not really felt it yet, but it will come. I'm looking forward to it, being involved in the competition and these big European evenings."

PSG are set to face an extremely congested fixture list as they juggle domestic and European commitments before the pause for the World Cup in November.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's Ligue 1 clash with Monaco, Galtier confirmed PSG are still looking to add quality players to a squad packed with world-class talent to ensure they are ready for the rigours of their schedule.

"There are players in our squad that are closer to leaving, we are also hoping to bring players in," he said. "We have singled out the positions where we are still looking to strengthen with quality players, but will that happen or not? I don't know.

"The later it gets, the harder it is to integrate them, but players who join PSG are top quality and have the ability to settle in quickly.

"The quicker they arrive the better, but there is still uncertainty there, and I am not the only one and we are not the only big club in this situation. We have to adapt and ensure we have the best possible squad to perform as well as we can in all competitions."

PSG midfielder Leandro Paredes has been linked with Juventus and goalkeeper Keylor Navas is the subject of speculation over a move to Napoli. There has also been talk of a late final PSG push to sign Inter defender Milan Skriniar, a player frequently connected with the club.

"In terms of Leandro Paredes, nothing is done at the moment, we will see how it goes by the end of the transfer window, there are lots of conversations going on," said Galtier.

"I know Leandro has been in talks with Juventus, which is normal. At the moment, Leandro Paredes is a PSG player and has been heavily involved in our games.

"As for Keylor Navas, he is a PSG player, he got injured last week before the game, he is playing normally and he will be in the squad.

"As for the Inter player you mentioned, I have no comment to make."

Paris Saint-Germain boss Christophe Galtier is not remotely surprised by the stunning start to the season his side have made.

The Ligue 1 champions thumped Lille 7-1 at the Stade Pierre Mauroy on Sunday thanks to a Kylian Mbappe hat-trick, a brace from Neymar and a strike from Lionel Messi.

Mbappe's first came after just eight seconds, which was the fastest goal in Ligue 1 since Opta started recording data for the competition in 2006-07.

The result means PSG have scored 17 goals in three Ligue 1 games this season. Only Rennes in 1950-51 (18) have found the back of the net more often at the same point.

The win also saw them become the first team in Ligue 1 history to score at least three goals in six consecutive away games.

Galtier, who joined the club from Nice in July, has been impressed by his new side's start to the season, but it has not come as a surprise given the strength of their pre-season campaign.

Asked if he expected his side to be so dominant at this stage of the season, Galtier said: "Yes, because of the work we have done since July. Those who returned before the scheduled date prepared well before the season. 

"I saw players who wanted to start the season very strongly so I'm not surprised."

Galtier stressed that his side will not be complacent after their breathtaking start, and said he will be using the full depth of his squad to keep players on their toes.

Asked how they can maintain this form, Galtier responded: "The answer is simple: daily requirements. It is also important that everyone can participate in the sequence of matches. 

"You will have to agree to give up your place so that a partner can exist. Management is going to be important and that all the exchanges I will have with the group are very transparent, clear and precise. 

"The players may also have a little revenge to take on last season. The group must be able to live well together. We need happy and committed players in the locker room."

PSG are next in action on Sunday when Monaco visit the Parc des Princes.