« They seemed relaxed and ready to work during this first week back. We have to prepare well for the match against Montluçon. I hope the conditions will be good for the game. On a personal level, I took advantage of the break to go and visit my family in Britanny, and then I spent three days in London commenting on matches. »
How are you preparing for this month of January that looks very busy?
« With hunger! We have some exciting encounters coming up. We want to go as far as possible in the Coupe de France. Last year, we failed in the Final, but we had put in a good run. We also want to win and keep our hands on the Coupe de la Ligue. And finally, we want to keep our good position in the League. All of this is very interesting to be playing in, but we have to be well prepared for these matches that are going to be very taxing physically. We’re going to be playing every three days and the squad needs to be ready. »
This run of games starts with an away match in the Coupe de France. The last 64 games of this competition are often epic encounters: last season the pitch at Epinal was waterlogged, this time around they are expecting snow in Clermont …
« It’s what I fear the most. I think that the players will be motivated and focused as it’s a great competition to be playing in. We want to do well, and prepare for our trip to Bordeaux. However, these conditions can penalise the so called superior team. We will have to deal with that. I remember taking Lyon to Clermont-Ferrand. It was really cold, -10°C I think and we really suffered. We lost on penalties even though we had a side more than capable of going through. »
In the second half of the season, PSG will also be playing in the final stages of the UEFA Cup. It’s an exciting competition for the players and supporters!
« I’m pleased to see that people feel we are actually playing in this competition. Of course we are playing for it! With a different group admittedly, not because it was forced on me but because I decided to, I don’t think we can play every match with the same side. We have a large enough squad to be able to choose from a lot of players. It’s what I’ve done and will continue to do. If you look at our fixture list, we are obliged to do so. It’s not just to give everyone a game, it’s my decision to play like that. »
The transfer window opens on the 1st of January. Do you know already if there will be any changes to the squad?
« For the moment, nothing will change. Our priority is to keep all of our players. We really want to continue working with this squad that have done well together since the start of the season. Afterwards, if we have a few requests, loans for example, we will look at each case individually, but I don’t want us to be spread to thin. »
What can we wish for PSG in 2009?
« First and foremost the happiness of the supporters and then, obviously, that PSG do well in 2009. It’s a big club that deserves to get back some of its past glory. I’ll be working on that during the first few months of the year with the same force as last year. Happy New Year 2009! »
