“Yes, we’re sure of our place in Ligue 1, but obviously we’ve got some new objectives. We’re going to fight to finish amongst the very top. But I repeat: There are teams that are better than us, but that doesn’t mean everything. I really think we’ve got the chance to finish well. We’re on a good run and we’re going to do everything we can to keep it going.”
Despite the context surrounding the team, they’ve kept their minds on the job...
“Nothing’s been decided yet, but we certainly have ambition and for the moment things are going well: for the team, the squad, and obviously the club. That’s what we have to keep thinking about.”
You’re coming off three consecutive wins in Ligue 1. Was that the minimum you needed to stay with the leaders?
“To stay with the leaders, yes! And also to overcome the disappointment of losing to Bordeaux, because those three wins have come after a heavy defeat away to them. We’ve taken a maximum nine points and are well placed because we’re leading the pack chasing Lyon. It’s good. It’s almost an un-hoped for position, but we’ve still worked very hard to make it happen. We’re competitive. We’ve been playing well for a long time now.”
How are you preparing for the visit of Saint-Etienne, given that it marks the start of a series of important matches?
“First of all, we’ll try and get a good week’s training under our belts and to recover well, physically. We showed against Nantes that we were feeling good physically and capable of getting a result. But we do have to consider the number of matches coming up. Certain players are being asked to play a lot, and give a lot. We have to use this period very efficiently, while also making sure our internationals return to us intact. A few of them have been called up for this week. I hope that they do what they have to do for their countries, but not too much all the same, and that they’re ready to go for PSG.”
PSG’s two internationals are Mamadou Sakho and Stéphane Sessegnon…
“For both of them, their call ups are far from a surprise. Mamadou is basically a first-choice with the Under-21s. I honestly think he can aim for joining the France senior squad in the future. Then, Stéphane is Benin’s superstar. That’s great, but he’s also got to think about PSG and I hope that, despite everything, he returns to us full of energy.”
Guillaume Hoarau was not available for the Nantes match. Do you hope he’ll be back for PSG?
“Obviously I hope he’ll be operational for next Saturday’s game. But the strikers that played against Nantes last weekend played very well. So it will be up to me to choose. But I like to have to choose between a number of talented, in form and competitive players. It’s been that way since the start of the season and I think we’ve improved because of it.”
Watch this exclusive interview with Paul Le Guen on PSG.TV.
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