On the eve of the League Cup Last-16 clash with Ligue 2 side Guingamp, PSG coach Antoine Kombouaré looks at what’s at stake: a place in the quarter-finals...

Coach, in the last round against Boulogne, you used a bit of turnover with the starting XI. Are you planning the same thing against Guingamp?
“The game against Boulogne was important because it allowed certain players to get some game time. I think every game is important because the objective is always the same: to win. The we’re approaching this game with the aim of winning. In the Cups, the aim is to qualify. Hence, I’ll be putting out the best possible team and after each game we think about how to approach the next. This Saturday we have a tough league game against Lille. It’s the first Ligue 1 match after the break and our aim will be to win it.”

This game perhaps also offers the chance of a bit of game time for the youngsters...
“I don’t have too many options. I’ve only got 20 outfield players. They’re there and they’re good and if I play them, it means I’m counting on them. Obviously it’s up to them to seize the opportunity because our goal is to go as far as we can in every competition. I’ve always operated like that in every club I’ve been in... everyone will have their chance. When a player has a bad game, I don’t jump all over him – quite the contrary. Everyone has the right to play badly in one game. It’s a shame, but you have to bounce back.”

When do you think Guillaume Hoarau will be able to make his return?
“Today, we’re talking just a matter of days. The advantage we have is that we’ve got lots of games at the moment. The idea is that he’ll play as soon as he’s 100 per cent fit. If that’s not this weekend, then it will certainly be the weekend after. At any rate, everything is progressing well. You also have to note that it hasn’t been easy with the weather. That’s made things difficult and we’re haven’t wanted to take any risks.”

What’s the atmosphere like within the squad since the you returned from the winter break?
“I’ve said it already, and I repeat: We had a really great training camp. There was a great atmosphere within the squad and the players were really happy to be back training together. It also allowed us to do a little more bonding, we talked together and had a good time. We also worked very hard in very tough conditions. The friendly match against Vannes is the ideal example. The pitch was frozen but we didn’t carry on and we got the job done.”