Paris Saint-Germain defender Thomas Meunier looks back at the start of 2019 and ahead to the upcoming challenges between now and the end of the season:
Thomas, how has the start of 2019 been for you?
"The Champions League elimination was very difficult for everyone at the club, as was the loss in the Coupe de la Ligue. We really wanted to win all three domestic trophies and go as far as possible in the Champions League, so it's pretty frustrating. On a personal level, I had concussion and then I hurt my knee. But it should be better soon. I still have the same desire, the same hunger, whether its in training or matches. I'm very positive and we need to be positive."
Is it hard to stay motivated for the rest of the season?
Not at all. It's not only about the Champions League. We have to reproduce what we did in the first half of the season, in the group stage of the Champions League, for example, where we prepared very well, mentally and physically for some very demanding matches where you have to give your absolute best. Mentally it's important to want to win each and every match, whether it's in the Champions League, Ligue 1 or the Coupe de France, at the start right through to the end of the season."
Paris Saint-Germain could set a number of Ligue 1 records this season...
"We can try and score more goals than ever before, concede fewer, set a new points record... This is an extra source of motivation for us. We wanted to go as far as possible in the Champions League, but it didn't happen and now we have to focus on other targets. Having new targets and challenges is important. The coaching staff have insisted on that."
And there's the Coupe de France semi-final next week…
"This competition is a trophy and we want to win it. The main target now is the Ligue 1 title, but the club has won the Coupe de la Ligue and the Coupe de France for the last four year. As a competitor, this is a trophy we want to win!"