Galthie, 35, took over from Nick Mallett in June after the South African boss decided to return home to spend more time with his family.

A former Stade Francais player between 2001 and 2003, Galthie resumed training with the players, some of whom are his former team-mates, on Monday and admits the change from player to coach was not that difficult.

Coaching does not contrast too much with playing, Galthie told L'Equipe.

It's the same except I am not playing any more. When I was a scrum-half I was already thinking a lot about my role, my game and that of the team.

Being a coach is like an extension to my playing career.

Galthie has inherited a competitive Stade Francais side which is aiming for a hat-trick of Top 16 titles.

But he insists he is not scared by the challenge.

The challenge is, of course, impressive to take but I will try to set up a good organisation and a good working structure as soon as possible, he added.

The aim is to be efficient as fast as possible and have a competitive scrum, a lot of control in the game and a good collective spirit.

Talent must be at the service of the organisation and vice-versa. The collective spirit must allow the players' talent to break out.

The new season starts for Galthie and his men on August 18 against Bayonne.