Benoît Kounkoud: 'It was incredible!'

What did you make of your victory in Montpellier (33-34)?

"Matches like this are very special. Montpellier are title contenders. They were in a bit of trouble in the standings before they played us, so we wanted to strike a blow. If we failed to lose, we knew it would hurt them. We managed to fulfil the mission, so we are happy. If we had won by more, it would have been just as good. You need games like that too! We had to be in a good frame of mind and we didn't give up. At the last second, Mikky [Hansen] scored with an incredible shot and we won it. I think it was a good show for the fans. A really great night! The win was good for our confidence."

How did you feel about Mikky's goal?

We had the ball and we want to score. But above all, we didn't want to let them score in the empty net! We didn't have a clear chance to shoot, so we kept possession until the end. When Mikky shot, I was on the wing [he bends down to mimic the action]. I'm watching, but I can't see whether he had scored. Then I saw everyone running and I understood! It was amazing."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Paris Saint-Germain Handball (@psghandofficiel)

On Saturday, you face Aix in the championship. Is it as important a game as the one in Montpellier?

"It will also be very important! If we win in Montpellier and we lose in Aix, it's not good... They are also a title contender. If we have a chance to put them a little further behind us, we won't hold back. It will be difficult. Last year, on their court, it was not easy... We are used to this kind of match! We need to keep the momentum going in the league and consolidate our first place."

How is the season going with Ferran Solé Sala, with whom you share a position?

"It's going very well. We share playing time and we help each other to be better, both in training and in matches. The aim is to take turns performing well."

On a personal note, this is your last season in Paris...

"It's still a bit early to make an assessment. I would be lying if I said I didn't think about it often. That's why I'm playing this season to the full! I'm giving my best and enjoying every moment. I want to finish on a good note, with a good feeling, a smile and lots of love. But above all with a lot of titles! I am very determined."

You must also be proud to have returned to the France set-up?

"I worked hard in the background, without making noise, waiting for my moment. I'm trying to perform well at club level so I can claim a place in this team. I've joined a squad that has just won gold at the Olympics. I arrive with a lot of respect and pride; I have a lot of friends and teammates who play there. It makes it easier for me to integrate. The environment is better. But the objective is to perform well on the court! Once again, I'm feel good at the beginning of the season, so I hope it will continue like this."

Check out the first part of our interview with Benoît Kounkoud below.

(Credits: A. Gadoffre/TeamPics/PSG)