Ferran Solé Sala: 'Beat our rivals'
On Sunday afternoon, Paris Saint-Germain Handball return to Liqui Moly StarLigue duties. Les Rouge et Bleu - with Ferran Solé Sala - can confirm their status as league leaders if they continue their perfect start to the season away to Montpellier in the Round 7 clash.
Last week, against Chambéry (36-29), it was a big fight...
"Yes, but that's to be expected... All the teams in this league are very good. We sometimes have problems at the beginning of matches. But at the end, we bring more rhythm and speed and that's what allows us to make the difference. Our opponents break down physically. We have improved in this area this season. Everyone is playing and helping the team. Squad rotation becomes very important and helps us to maintain our level. Now we have to manage to do that throughout the 60 minutes."
On Sunday you play Montpellier. You could take a seven-point lead. If you win, do you think you would eliminate MHB from the title race?
"It's still too early to say... But it's true that they have dropped points and that we could distance ourselves from them a little more. The season is long, so as soon as we have the opportunity to distance ourselves from an opponent, we mustn't let it pass. If our rivals from other seasons lose points, it's because other teams have been able to take them. This shows that the level of the championship is very high! So we have to remain very serious. If it happened to Montpellier, it can also happen to us if we slack off. We have to maintain the level we have shown over the last few weeks."
You are starting your second season in Paris. What do you think of your start to the season?
"We are playing better than last season. We still need an important away win in the Champions League. But it's rewarding to play against the best teams of the moment, at home. We are all very motivated to achieve this."
Have you been enjoying living in Paris?
"It's easier to explore the city now, because there are fewer health restrictions. We have the possibility to do more things. I can enjoy Paris!"
And within the squad?
"I feel very good. The atmosphere is very good. We have to keep it that way. You can see it in the warm-up games, where there is a lot of competition [laughs]. The level is not always good, but we put a lot of effort into it."
Watch the first part of our interview with Ferran Solé Sala on video.
(Credits: A. Gadoffre/TeamPics/PSG)