There isn’t a rivalry more heated than the one between Olympique de Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain. Tensions between two successful football clubs, two philosophies, the French capital and the busy Mediterranean port in the south – it’s always a source of great stories. The latest one is about Christophe Galtier, PSG’s head coach. You see, he was born in Marseille – and he played for OM, his tonight’s opponent.The rivals meet in a Coupe de France tie at the famous Stade Velodrome tonight, and it’s the first time Galtier will return to Marseille since he became the leader of the most hated opponent. The coach said the past wouldn’t get a hold of him. He wants to be professional and get the job done – and he’s urged his players to keep a cool head in a heated atmosphere.Tifo display by Marseille fans at Vélodrome Stadium ahead of their match vs PSG last year.pic.twitter.com/e1DwkZJEQ0— ⚽ (@Elijahkyama) October 15, 2022 Galtier played for OM’s youth side between 1982 and 1985 and the first team between 1995 and 1997. If someone knows what these derbies are about – it’s him.”For one night, I will ignore the fact I was born in Marseille. I’m the PSG coach. I know what these games represent. This may be a French Cup round of 16 tie, but in reality – it’s a lot more than that. I blocked all calls on my phone expect those from my family. I don’t need anyone to tell me this or that. I want to be focused on the task of making it to the quarter-finals.”##NAJAVA_MECA_7006663##Since becoming a coach, Galtier has faced Olympique de Marseille 28 times. He has a record of six wins, ten draws and twelve losses. On 16 October, in the 11th matchday of Ligue 1, the Parisians beat OM 1-0 at the Parc des Princes thanks to a Neymar goal.The Parisian’s job may be a bit easier due to Marseille’s defensive problems. Eric Bailly, Nuno Tavares and Leonardo Balerdi are all out of contention, leaving head coach Igor Tudor to improvise. The Croat may use midfielder Cengiz Under as a right wing-back, while Sead Kolasinac, Samuel Gigot and Chancel Mbemba should be the trio of central defenders.Joyeux anniversaire à Christophe Galtier Né le 23 août 1966 à Marseille – Finaliste Coupe de France 1986 et 1987 (OM)- Vice Champion de France 1987 (OM)- Vice Champion de France D2 1996 et monté en D1 (OM)- Demi finaliste Coupe de France 1996 (OM) pic.twitter.com/Opz1DGz024— 𝔾𝕝𝕠𝕚𝕣𝕖 𝔸𝕦 ℙe𝕦𝕡𝕝𝕖 𝕄𝕒𝕣𝕤𝕖𝕚𝕝𝕝𝕒𝕚s (@DjeMassilia) August 23, 2020 The Parisians will have to do without Kylian Mbappe, Presnel Kimpembe, Renato Sanches and Nordi Mukiele, who are all injured. In terms of good news, Paris can count on Neymar, Marco Verratti and Sergio Ramos, who have all missed games in recent weeks.COUPE DE FRANCERound of 16Wednesday20.15: (5.50) Vierzon (3.80) Grenoble (1.65)20.15: (2.40) Olympique Lyon (3.30) Lille (3.00)20.15: (1.98) Paris (3.40) Annecy (3.90)0.15: (2.50) Toulouse (3.30) Reims (2.85)20.15: (1.65) Auxerre (3.70) Rodez (5.70)20.15: (2.85) Angers (3.10) Nantes (2.60)23.10: (3.10) Olympique Marseille (3.40) PSG (2.30)Thursday23.00: (3.70) Lorient (3.40) Lens (2.05)***odds are subject to change
