Rabiot: ‘We wanted to win back our title’

Adrien, how did you approach the start of the season after losing the Ligue 1 title just a few weeks earlier?
“We started the season with a lot of desire, and determined to win back our title. The pre-season camp in Miami was a great way for everyone to get together and prepare for the new season. After that camp, we were ready for a big season.”

You sent out a first message in winning the Trophée des Champions against Monaco (2-1)…
“It was an important match because Monaco had just won the title and we had the chance to play them immediately. The match went well and we showed them that we were ready and wanted to win back our title and have a good year.”

The whole team then produced a sensational start to the campaign…
“Yes, we started very strong in the league, and also in the Champions League. Our first half of the season was early perfect. We quickly led in the championship and set a new record for the number of goals in the group stage of the Champions League (25 goals).”

In the last-16, you scored the opening goal in the tie against Real Madrid… how did that feel?
“It was an incredible moment, even if we don’t know how the match could end up. But to score in a stadium like that, in a competition like the Champions League… you have to enjoy the moment… I was really very happy with the goal, even if what followed was a huge disappointment…”

How do you explain what happened in the return leg?
“We had got ourselves in trouble in the final minutes of the first leg and we knew the return leg would be tough, even if we were at home. Real Madrid are one of the biggest teams in the world. We didn’t start well and we were punished. We had to accept it and move on and keep working hard because the season wasn’t over, there were still three trophies to win.”

Including the Coupe de France. Was it really strange to take on a third division side in the final?
“It wasn’t just another match, first of all because it was a final. Taking on a third division side made it all the more special. We knew that we had to be careful and not underestimate Les Herbiers, and we did the job. We stayed focused. People thought we’d win 6-0, but they defended really, very well. That’s also the beauty of the Coupe de France.”