Mamadou Sakho looks back at PSG’s start to the new campaign, his aims for the future and his thoughts on PSG’s home game against Lille this Sunday at the Parc des Princes at 17:00.
Mamadou, PSG is third after three games. How do you rate the club’s start to the season?“It’s been a great start to the campaign. It’s just a shame that we’ve conceded goals in every match so far. We played well against Valenciennes, despite the second goal we conceded. But we remember the win first and foremost. For us, the three points each weekend are the most important.”
What type of match are you expecting against Lille on Sunday?
“Lille are coming off two losses and a draw. They’ll be visiting the Parc des Princes looking for their first win of the season. We’re playing at home and we’re full of confidence. Our aim is to take all three points.”
Ramadan has started. Can you feel the difference?
“No, nothing. For the moment I’ve always followed the ritual, except for match days. I spoke to the coach about it and I’ll start to adapt in terms of training sessions and match days. I understand the coach’s reaction because we work very hard during training and in matches and it can have a big impact on the body. You have to know when to do Ramadan at the right time.”
You are regularly called up to the France Under-21 squad. Do you think about Les Bleus and the 2010 World Cup?
“Not at all, even if my name is bandied about a bit in the media. I have goals with PSG. As for national team duty, I’m there for the U-21s and when I get the call I give it absolutely everything. We’ll see what the future has in store for me.”
We know how you feel towards PSG. Do you have a fixed career plan?
“Honestly; no. I have a contract which runs until 2012 and for the moment I just want to have a big season. We’ll see about the future after.”
Were you put off by the rumours linking Gabriel Heinze to PSG?
“Not especially. Gabriel Heinze was one of my idols when I was at the PSG youth academy. I really like him. But it’s a huge vote of confidence from the club that they didn’t bring in anyone. I’ll do my best to repay the faith that PSG and the supporters have in me.”
Tools
Ranking L1
| Pos | Team | Pts | Diff | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full table | ||||
| 1 | Bordeaux | 10 | 8 | |
| 2 | Paris Saint-Germain | 10 | 6 | |
| 3 | Lyon | 10 | 6 | |
| 4 | Montpellier HSC | 8 | 5 | |
| 5 | Marseille | 8 | 3 | |
