On the eve of PSG's French Cup clash with Aubervilliers, coach Antoine Kombouaré talked about the weather, the youth academy and the Togo AFCON tragedy...

Coach, how are you approaching Sunday's game given the current weather conditions?
"I've already said enough about how playing at this time of year is difficult, especially playing so late at night. But we do what has been decided. PSG has done everything just so the match can actually go ahead. We'll be ready tomorrow to qualify for the next round against Aubervilliers. I just hope we don't pick up any injuries."

Do you think the idea of a Parisian derby can see Aubervilliers cause an upset?
"This is a danger match, par excellence. We know it. It going to be a tough game for us because this fifth division team is going to lift their game to play against PSG. Our biggest risk is to not take the game seriously, to be scared of getting injured and not compete 100 per cent. Like I always say, we need to respect our opponent and above all, play well to get the result."


Do you think PSG does enough for young Parisian footballers?
"PSG does a lot, but the number of places at the youth academy are limited, so we try and take the best. If you look at our current squad, we have quite a few that are locals: Ngoyi, Sankharé, Sakho, Maurice, Arnaud… Ask the same question at Lyon or Marseille... there aren't many that are playing. For those that are always criticising us, take a closer look. There are a lot of young kids from the academy that play for the first team. It's good."

What are your ambitions for the French Cup?
"For me, I want to go as far as possible. Our reputation precedes us. We area Cup team and have already won a few. I can't choose which competitions we compete in. One victory leads to another. A qualification tomorrow will be the best way to prepare for the League Cup game against Guingamp on Wednesday and so on..."

What do you think about what happened to the Togo team at the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola?
"What has happened to Togo is simply unbelievable. You go to play a football match and you get machine-gunned... it's... words can't describe it... I coached Togo striker Thomas Dossevi for three seasons at Valenciennes, so obviously that's a strong bond. I don't think the Togo players want to play the tournament now. If the AFCON still needs to go ahead, it won't be the great competition with the great players that I love so much."