Meunier: 'Focused and committed'

Thomas, you began your fourth season with Paris Saint-Germain with a win in the Trophée des Champions…
"Trophée des Champions is a title, and that's always important for an ambitious club like Paris Saint-Germain. We want to win everything and we do everything to win as much as we can, with the right attitude and with the right character. We played very well against Rennes. We pressured them very high up the pitch. It was also very positive that we were able to come from behind. Winning after being behind on the scoreboard is never easy."

How was pre-season training?
"It was good. We played two matches in Germany, during which we tried out some new things. The new signings were able to show what they can do. I think all the transfers this summer have been very intelligent. Each new player brings a lot to the team and they've shown it in training. It was a good preseason, intense, but positive." 

How are you approaching the new season?
"When you play for Paris Saint-Germain, we know that there's nowhere to hide, especially here in France. That means there's the pressure of being the favourites for the league title and the Cup competitions. We need to live up to the billing. My teammates and I will give 100% in every single match to try and make the difference, whoever the opponent."

And it starts on Sunday…
"The Trophée des Champions was the first real match of the new season. Now the Ligue 1 campaign begins on Sunday at home to Nimes. We want to start the same way as last season. To start like that would be fabulous because it was really an exceptional start. We are working very well, everyone is focused and committed, whether it be in training or in the pre-season matches. I'm confident."

You had a few injury problems last season... How are you feeling now?
"In the end, I was injured for nearly half a season which wasn't easy. Despite that, I still played a good number of games. It means that the coaching staff counts on me. After each injury, I was immediately back in the squad. The coming season? My ambition is the same as always: to play as many matches as possible. The squad has good depth and quality. The coach knows my game, my mentality and he knows he can count on me."