PSG bidding to create ‘distance’ from Ligue 1 rivals at top

PARIS: Paris Saint-Germain coach Christophe Galtier wants his side to create some “distance” between themselves and their rivals at the top of Ligue 1 when they face Ajaccio, and Galtier’s son Jordan, on Friday. The reigning champions opened up a three-point lead at the summit last weekend with a tense 1-0 victory over Marseille, who have slipped from second in the table to fourth after back-to-back defeats in the last fortnight. Igor Tudor’s OM face a tough task to bounce back, though, hosting third-placed Lens on Saturday.

Surprise package Lorient, who sit second, could be six points behind PSG by the time they visit Troyes. “We’re top of the league, and there are some top-of-the-table clashes this weekend, so it’s up to us to put in a complete performance and keep the chasing pack at a distance,” said Galtier. PSG will be hoping to race away with the title again this season after finishing 15 points clear of Marseille last term, giving them space to focus on their latest bid for a maiden Champions League crown.

The capital giants can secure their place in the last 16 in Europe on Tuesday with victory over Maccabi Haifa at the Parc des Princes. But first they must overcome an Ajaccio side who have claimed seven points from their last four matches, featuring a shock 2-1 win over Marseille, after mustering just one point in their opening seven games. “They’re coming off the back of some good performances,” said Galtier, whose son is the Ajaccio assistant coach.

“The start to the season was a bit difficult for them because you always have to get used to playing in Ligue 1. “The stadium will be full, and there’ll be a fiery atmosphere because the fans are close to the pitch. “We’ll need to turn up, show a lot of desire