Kombouaré: ‘A great PSG’

On the eve of Lille’s visit to the Parc des Princes, PSG coach Antoine Kombouaré claimed it will take ‘a great PSG’ to get the win.

Do you think Lille are better than their current 16th place suggests?
“That’s obvious! Just look at their record over recent seasons. They’ve been regulars in the Champions League and this year they’re qualified for the group phase of the Europa League. Last season they finished fifth, above PSG. I saw their games against Marseille and Toulouse and they’re very strong.”

What type of match are you expecting?
“I expecting lots of physical challenges. They play 4-5-1 with a very dense and hard-working midfield comprising Mavuba, Balmont and Cabaye. They’re good at the back as well. They press all over the park and counterattack at pace. Up front with Aubameyang, Gervinho and their starlet Hazard they are lightning quick. It’s going to take a great PSG on Sunday. We need to defend well, and I’m not just talking about the defenders. We need to play our own game despite a packed midfield and put away our chances.”

With the return of Hoarau, and the performances of Erding and Luyindula: there’s plenty of competition in attack... “I’m happy to have this type of selection headache. The more players I have the better for me. I can’t just count on Erding, Hoarau or Sessegnon. Competition makes everyone improve. Only weak players don’t want competition for places. Guillaume still has a little way to go, he needs time, but he could start on Sunday.”

PSG is winning, but has conceded goals in every game too...
“That doesn’t matter! If we win every game 3-2, I’ll sign for that right now. It’s the victory that counts. And it’s spectacular so everyone is happy.”

Are you impatient to be finished with the mercato to be 100 per cent sure of your squad and your players?
“Obviously I’m not happy with the current situation. It’s the same for all coaches. The season starts in August, and you have to work hard to ensure the team is winning while also managing players that you know want to leave. I would prefer it if the mercato ended when the season began. The players that aren’t 100 per cent focused on the matches don’t play. I can’t have players that are thinking about their own futures above that of PSG.”