Draxler: 'Happy to have won this match'
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Julian Draxler spoke to PSG TV after netting the winner against Metz and looked ahead to Sunday's Ligue 1 clash with Nice, kick-off at 13:00 at Allianz Riviera.
Julian, what a crazy match and especially the finish against Metz...
"It was hard, you could see it. We created opportunities for ourselves but at the moment it's a bit complicated because we are not 100%, that's clear. But we still had the chance to score the goal earlier. To tell you the truth, we were all dead tired! When I scored, I was all alone to celebrate because nobody had the strength to chase me (laughs). It was a complicated situation, but the team made a great effort. So we are happy to have won this match."
How do you analyse the performance?
"Scoring in the first half would have made the game easier for us. You have to work hard and we did against Metz. In the dressing room, we were very happy because we made a great effort. It had nothing to do with the quality of the group or the players who were missing, it was just a great effort to make. So we are very happy. My goal? We all know the quality of Angel Di Maria. He did a magnificent control. It was also important that Icardi was there to hinder the goalkeeper. Then I had the chance to see the ball come out to me, even if it was on my head, which is not my speciality. But I scored, fortunately!"
You played the full 90 minutes as well, how do you feel?
"After 70-75 minutes, it is normal not to be at your best, to be tired. But we had to keep working, especially me, because it had been a long time since I had played 90 minutes with the team. There are players missing at the moment, and I try to do my best when I play. Sometimes the lack of rhythm doesn't make it easy for me because I need it. But I'm going to keep working. I'm glad I was able to show that I can help the team."
And now it's time for Nice on Sunday...
"I know that saying and repeating that it's going to be complicated can be hard for the fans to hear, but after a season like this, and without preparation, it's really difficult. We will go there trying to win, as usual, because we are Paris Saint-Germain. We're going to give it our all on the pitch. We'll see who's capable of playing. We have to work now to be ready on Sunday."