At the end of training on Sunday, Sammy Traoré, spoke to PSG.FR about the preseason and the upcoming friendly matches against Fiorentina, Glasgow Rangers and Atletico Madrid.

How was training today?
“Very good. We played a little game of 30-minute halves. That gave us the chance to run around a bit but also saw my team given a bit of the run around in the first-half (smile).

PSG has been back training for about a month now, how do you cope with this period – for many, the worst of the season?
“It’s a crucial part of the season. You need to prepare well and work ver hard to cope fr the rest of the campaign. The friendly matches are going well for the moment. Now we’ve got some great games coming up. On Wednesday, we take on Fiorentina before heading to play in the Emirates Cup next Saturday and Sunday. It’s great to play teams like that. We’ve got a quality squad we work well in training, but the most important thing is to keep building towards the start of the season and be ready for August 8 and the trip to Montpellier.”

What are your aims for the season?
“The aim is very simple: Do better than last season. Last season we finished sixth, so this season, the aim is to finish in the top five. We’ve kept most of the squad and the squad has also been reinforced by the new signings. We’ve got a quality squad. The other teams have also recruited well but we have what it takes to match them.”

How are the new players fitting in?
“Really well! They’re good players who are going to be good additions to the squad. They’re fitting in perfectly, on and off the pitch. We’re trying to integrate them as quickly as possible and everyone welcomed the new lads with open arms.”

There’s also a new coach and coaching staff…
“Yes, and that’s also going well, especially with the new coach. He’s brought a great staff and everyone knows what they want and how to get it. Training sessions are very intense and for the moment, everything is going well.”

What can we wish for you this season?
“Wish that I don’t get injured, that PSG finish in the top five and that I play as many matches as possible. That’s already pretty good!”

Watch the interview with Sammy Traoré on PSG.TV