Julian Draxler: 'Like a cup final'
Interviewed this week by PSG TV, the German international discussed the squad's current form, the challenges ahead and Pochettino's methods, which are becoming more and more defined.
Julian, as the weeks go by, we get the impression that this is a united squad, with players who seem to be getting to know each other more and more...
"It's always important to have players who have been at the club for a long time, who know the team and the city. There are lots of us in that position today and everyone feels good in Paris. It's a very important factor. I have been here for four years now, I have played more than 150 matches... We know each other well, we have been together for a long time and we understand each other."
The coach is a former player of the club. Is that an important factor for you?
"That aspect is important, it's doubtlessly more important for the supporters than it is for us, because we are all professionals, and we work with the coach every day. But yes, it's something that makes a difference in the life of a club, and he was a player that was liked by the supporters, so it's obviously a good thing."
How would you define the coach's methods?
"All coaches have different ideas, on attacking play, the set-up of the defence, the tactics... He has coached a lot in England and he is teaching us lots of bits and pieces that he picked up there. We are very happy to be able to work with him, the training sessions are tough, but we are enjoying ourselves on the pitches, all together."
The title race is far from decided..
"This season is more complicated. We played the Champions League final against Bayern and we had very little time to prepare ourselves for the new season. We have lost points along the way this season, particularly due to that. That means that title race is very tight, where nothing is decided and the matches that are coming thick and fast will be very important. We will need to approach them all like cup finals."
How is the squad preparing for this match against Lyon?
"They are a top side, a very good team, the match is important. The three points are important. It doesn't matter who you are coming up against. But yes, it's a prestigious match, but the main thing is to secure the victory."