PSG arrive in Japan for three-game tour
Paris Saint-Germain’s star-studded squad landed in Japan Sunday 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.
The French champions will then head to Israel to face Cup-winners Nantes in the French Super Cup in Tel Aviv on August 31.
“We have three games against very good opposition,” Gauthier 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. I hope these matches will be good preparation for the French Super Cup in Tel Aviv.”
PSG brought a squad of 25 players to Japan, and they touched down at Tokyo’s Haneda airport shortly before midday.
The team is 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 organized and competitive,” said the Argentine star.
“They have become much more physically competitive.”