Benoît Kounkoud: 'Whatever happens, we have to win'

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On Tuesday evening, Paris Saint-Germain Handball ended a run of six games in less than two weeks by defeating Elverum (29-44) in their rescheduled EHF Champions League Matchday 11 clash. We take a look back on this period and ahead to Les Rouge et Bleus' next matches with our right-winger Benoît Kounkoud.

Are you satisfied with your performance against Elverum (22-44), where Paris dominated both halves?
We had some difficulties in the first halves of our recent matches. So it was important to be serious for 60 minutes. We played a great game, from start to finish! We were consistent and focused. We ended up scoring 44 goals, so we are happy.

Are you satisfied with your Champions League group stage campaign?
Yes and no... Our goal was to finish at the top of the group. Now we're focusing on ourselves and our next opponent. We want to go as far as possible in this competition!

Are you going to watch Thursday's match between Kielce and Flensburg (if the Poles lose, Paris will finish second)?
Yes, because second place is important. But no matter what happens, we'll have to win to advance to the next round. So we're not sweating the details... We have to focus on the matches. If we can have a more 'beatable' opponent in the round of 16, then that's great for us. But the past has already shown that no matter who we play against, the game can go either way.

Havechecked out whom you could be up against (Nantes or Celje)?
We've already talked a little bit about it, even with the coach. But we have to win, whether it's Celje or Nantes. We're qualified and we just have to wait and see who we get next.

How was this incredibly busy recent run for you and the team?
We've just played six games in ten days. It was intense, but we have no choice. We have to perform well so we pay attention to our bodies. We try to recover well in order to perform as well as possible. Maybe that's why our form dipped at times. We have to be very concentrated to manage those moments better when they arrive. We have to make extra efforts to get back into the game. In my position, we sprint a lot, so my legs are a little heavy... But we have the strength in depth to rotate the squad. On the court, we give everything and we are replaced when we are tired.

Is the approach to the game different under these conditions?
It's true that we train less. We're more focused on video and tactical work. The sessions are less intense, but with the goal of being able to give it all during the match.

Will the international break do you any good?
It will give everyone a change of scenery. But we'll meet again afterwards, to get back to the fight!

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

 (Credits: TeamPics/PSG)