St Ettienne Coach Dismisses Newcastle Switch

Saint-Etienne coach Christophe Galtier has rubbished rumours linking him with a move to Premier League clubs, saying he wants to stay at the Ligue 1 club until the end of the season.

The 48-year-old, who once served as an assistant manager at Portsmouth, has been linked with managerial positions at manageress Crystal Palace and Newcastle United.

But speaking at a press conference ahead of the French Cup round of 64 this weekend, Galtier said: “I have a commitment to my club and my players; I am and will be the coach of Saint-Etienne until the end of the season.

Christophe Galtier Says NO to Newcastle Switch. Image: Getty.
Christophe Galtier Says NO to Newcastle Switch. Image: Getty.

“Our objective in 2015 will be to have a second half to the season up to the standard of what we did in the first half.”

St Etienne are fourth in the French Ligue 1 table at the halfway stage and are at home to Nancy on Sunday.

Galtier also debunked speculations suggesting captain Loic Perrin is on his way out of the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, saying: “He is our captain and plays in an important position.”