Adama Keita: 'A very tough match'
Before facing Cesson-Rennes with Paris Saint-Germain Handball on the occasion of the Liqui Moly StarLigue's Round 23, Adama Keita talked to us about the match and the news in the Rouge et Bleu camp.
Last week, you got a great win against Aix (37-32). What's your assessment of the game?
"It's a victory that we built up over 60 minutes. I think we played a good game, even if there were some failures. Wesley Pardin had a great game. The important thing was to win, especially against a direct competitor. We're happy because we're continuing our momentum and we hope it continues like this."
In your opinion, have you stitched up the title yet?
"No, not yet! We still have a few games to win to be officially champions. We want to break records and go down in the history of our championship. If we win against Cesson-Rennes, we will have made the best start in the history of the Liqui Moly StarLigue with 23 wins. The main thing is the title, but it's still in the back of our minds."
And the grand slam?
"At this point in the championship, without any slip-ups, we're obviously thinking about it... Once again, we'll take what's around, but above all we want the title!"
You mentioned Cesson-Rennes. You are going to face a team that has never lost at home!
"Everywhere we go, they are big games. They are having a good season and against us, they won't have any pressure. It will be a very tough game. They will want to put things right after the first leg."
How do you feel about the last moments with the players who are leaving us?
"It's special... We don't necessarily think about it because we are focused on the matches. But when we have to say goodbye, it will be strange. It's the end of an era! It will be intense in terms of emotions. Nedim (Remili) and Benoît (Kounkoud) have become friends of mine. We've shared this dressing room for years, so it will be special. There will also be the departure of Mikky (Hansen) who has been here for a very long time.
Will you become one of the oldest?
"It feels weird (laughs). I've been here for a while if you count the academy. It will be special next season."
Watch the first part of our interview with Adama Keita here.
(Credits: L. Valroff/Team Pics/PSG)