A native of the Parisian suburb Créteil, the PSG defender reveals how happy he is to be taking on another club from the region, when PSG take on Aubervilliers in the French Cup on Sunday at the Parc des Princes.

Sammy, are you worried about Sunday’s game going ahead in this weather?
“It’s going to be tough, but I think the club has done the necessary. It’s going to be playable, but the conditions certainly won’t be easy. If the pitch is frozen, there’s a heightened chance you can get injured. But if the pitch is playable, then it’s just the cold you have to deal with.”

How is the squad approaching the game?
“It’s a danger match. Aubervilliers are a good team and we have to take them seriously. They’re undefeated in their division so they’re obviously good. They have former pros. I know a few of them and it won’t be easy. It’s a big thing for them to be taking on PSG at the Parc. We have every respect for that side, but we have to be qualify.”

You know a few players in this side?
“Yes, I know Vincent Doukantie very well from playing with him in the Mali national team. I also know Steve Marlet and the coach Abdellah Mourine who I’ve already played against. Knowing the coach, I can imagine the type of players he has and the way they play. He was always a winner and he’s instilled that attitude in his current squad.”

You’re not afraid of being eliminated?
“I’m not scared. It’s still just football. We’ll be playing on a tough pitch and I think that will favour them more than us. We’ll have to lift our game, be committed, show our desire to get past. In terms of the game, we are a better team, despite all the respect we have for them.”

Coming from Créteil, this must be a special match for you...
“I’m very happy to be playing against another team from the Paris region. To tell you the truth, I would have preferred to play at their ground. There’s big interest in the match and it would have been a full house with lots of pressure. Having played a lot in Paris, I can assure you it would have been great...”