The Paris ’keeper spoke about the beginning of PSG’s preparations before turning to their first pre-season friendly, against Evian on Saturday at 19:00,

Grégory, how are the preparations coming along ?
“It’s hard work!. Everything’s going really well. The facilities are excellent and the hotel is very comfortable. We’re working hard and very effectively. It’s a prepraratory training camp. The squad hasn’t changed much; we’ve welcomed Mathieu Bodmer to the squad. Things are going well and there’s a great atmosphere. It’s very relaxed.”

Gilles Bourges is the new goalkeeping coach, and Alphonse Aréola has joined the first team squad…
“We have a new youngster in the form of Alphonse! He’s a very good player. He listens well and I think he has a big future ahead of him, especially if he keeps up his strong attitude. Gilles Bourge has also joined the team. He’s very sharp, he’s motivated and knows how to motivate others. He has what it takes to make sure the ’keepers have a strong season.”

How are you preparing for the match against Evian ?
“The legs are still a bit heavy. The match seems like another training session for us. All the same, we’ll be playing front of a crowd, which means we’ll have to deliver a good performance to make sure that everyone enjoys themselves. This match will help us find our feet.”

With a new season just around the corner, where does PSG stand in relation to a club you’re very familiar with, like Lyon?
“It’s different, because Lyon has a winning rhythm that set in after seven consecutive league titles. PSG is making progress and I think we can make the most of Mr. Leproux’s hard work. Last season, he didn’t hesitate to go into the firing line. He took some important and courageous decisions. That’s a big source of motivation for us. In my time at Lyon Mr. Aula had a similar philosophy. Every season, he kept the club moving ahead by giving us new and better facilities as well as other means for progress. Mr. Leproux is doing the same thing. He hasn’t hesitated to defend the club and the team when he speaks publicly. Last season, we were one of the only two clubs to add a trophy to their cabinet. That’s a considerable thing.”