On the eve of a perilous trip to Sochaux, the PSG coach Antoine Kombouaré looks back at the week’s training before looking at just what is at stake for this clash...

Coach, do you think this rather unusual week will have a negative impact on your players?
“Obviously the fact that we didn’t have our players available until Wednesday meant that it wasn’t easy. Wednesday was a tough day. We had to get the bodies back to work after they’d been ill. Certain players were back on the park after several days off. They had to refocus and we needed to get the whole squad in the right frame of mind, even if they all know how important this game is.”

Were the players that were sick last weekend be in the starting XI on Sunday?
“We’ll see how Saturday’s training goes. I spoke to the doctor earlier that said all the players were in good health. The absences are Guillaume Hoarau and Willy Grondin out injured and Claude Makelele who is suspended.”

After two months without a win, you have an obligation to win...
“We’re in real danger of slipping right down the table. Everybody knows it and we have to bounce back. If we don’t do what we have to do, we’ll continue to struggle. Two months without a win is a long time. I can’t accept that. I’m not happy and neither are the players. I’m expecting a reaction. After five games without a win, we’re frustrated and disappointed. Even though we still have a lot of games to come, we have to focus on Sunday’s match and win it!”

It promises to be a tough match because Sochaux have won their last three...
“Exactly. Sochaux won at home against Le Mans before stunning Lyon 2-0 away. Last weekend they continued their good run at home to Lorient (1-0). We have to show our desire, our motivation. We’re not defending or playing badly, but we’re not scoring and it’s always one little goal that’s costing us points. We have to do more than we’re doing at the moment and not look for any excuses!”