Alphonse Areola: 'The title-winning game against Monaco? Exceptional!'

Alphonse, how did you come into the season?
"I think we all came back from holiday with the intention of winning back the title and winning as many trophies as possible."  

The start of the season was impressive, particularly in the Champions League. What was it like to win five straight games and set a goal record?
"It's true we started very strongly, both up front and at the back! We didn't concede a single goal in the first four games. We wanted to start the competition well, everyone was very focussed. We can be proud of that start."

With hindsight, how do you judge the tie with Real Madrid?
"For me, we lost our chance to qualify in the last ten minutes of the first leg. We had played well, but those ten minutes spoiled the work we had done. We managed to cause Real problems. In the return, Neymar's absence hurt us. He's a key player for the team. We prepared to play well, even without him. We tried to give our all, but - I repeat - it was all decided in the first leg."

The team bounced back with three domestic trophies, including the 7-1 win over Monaco to clinch the title…
"It was a great time, because it was against Monaco, who had taken the title of us last season. But we managed to avenge that, we also beat them in the Trophée des Champions and the Coupe de la Ligue...In the league game, we knew it was a good chance to get the title back, at home. In the end, it was exceptional...seven goals against Monaco, we were all very happy with that."

Individually, we must highlight your performance against Bordeaux…
"That day, Bordeaux played in a very attacking way. They came to press high against us and we weren't used to that sort of situation. So I had to contribute, and it went well for me that evening and I was able to show what I can do a bit more."