Kombouaré: ‘It was fantastic’

PSG coach, Antoine Kombouaré, talks about the atmosphere at the Parc des Princes for the Lyon game and as well as the capital club’s next match away to Boulogne-sur-Mer in the League Cup on Wednesday at 20:45.

Antoine, are you going to operate a little turnover for Wednesday’s game against Boulogne-sur-Mer?
“Yes. I’ll be resting a few players, given the big match we played against Lyon last Sunday and in the knowledge that we’ve got a game against Lorient on Saturday. The players aren’t machines. I want to inject a little new blood. We have a quality squad and the players aren’t just there to make up the numbers. The idea is to start with the best possible team. I agreed a deal with the ‘keepers that Edel will play the Cup games, and also that Claude (Makelele) won’t be playing on Wednesday. The players that are currently on the bench are quality players and will be physically fresher. They are motivated and have the talent to cover those absent.”

Could it be considered a test for the youngsters?
“Yes, in that it’s a chance for them to show what they can do. When you’re on the bench, you are desperate to get a chance. They have a chance to show what they are worth. It’s up to them to play football. It’s the best way to make my life difficult and show the starting XI that they are capable and that there’s competition for places.”

What type of game are you expecting?
“A Cup game, tough, lots of duels, lots of tension, a real sudden death Cup game. It’s sink or swim. We are PSG, and everyone wants to beat us. There are no easy games. You have to be capable of producing a big performance, like the one we produced against Lyon and then we can go looking to qualifying for the next round.”

Is you aim to win the League Cup?
“I wouldn’t go that far. The aim is to win tomorrow and qualify for the next round, no matter how. It’s the shortest way into Europe for next season. We enter every competition to win. The Cups are part of PSG’s history.”

Are the players tired after the Lyon match?
“I think it’s to be expected after a game like that. We were disappointed by the result, but not by the way we played. It was a good game and was very encouraging and bodes well for the future. The players are happy with their match. We played well against Lyon and I’m proud of what we did. We made an impression.”

What did you think about the atmosphere at the Parc?
“I’m very happy with our supporters. On Sunday they were fantastic. I’m proud of them. Football is a big party and it was a night to remember.”