Luc Steins: 'I'm happy to be part of this team'

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Before facing former club Toulouse in the Coupe de France semi-finals on Saturday afternoon, Luc Steins sat down for a chart about his titles and objectives with Les Rouge et Bleu.

Last week, you won the French league title. What do you think of the victory against Montpellier (37-33)? 
"I think it was a good victory for us. We became champions. We started the game badly, and there were difficult moments, but we fought until the end. I think we need to have that spirit for the end of the season."

This is your second season in Paris and your second French league title. How does it feel?
"It's great to spend a full season at this club and play for titles and win them. Last year was half a season and this year I could start it off here. We've played well in the league, we haven't lost a game yet and in a league like this with strong teams, that's a good thing."

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Last season you came in during the season, so does this title have a different flavour? 
"This season I've been through everything. It feels good to start the season with the squad, to be there from the beginning, to do the pre-season preparations and to see the progression. Yes, it feels better." 

Now that the title is secured, is the goal to be the first team to achieve the grand slam? 
"Yes, of course we still want to win every match. But there are still big teams to play, especially away from home. We still have to go to Saint Raphaël, Toulouse and Chartres. These will be complicated matches. The end of the championship is not going to be easy, but the objective is to win all the games." 

There was a very good atmosphere at the end of the match against Montpellier. Is that something that has done you good during the season, especially with the return of the fans? 
"Yes, for sure! It's something else to come to the stadium with supporters, there are many of them and they are ready to encourage us. It's a real pleasure and it gives something more to be motivated on the pitch." 

After the championship and the EHF Champions League, you follow up with a Coupe de France semi-final. What do you remember about your last title?
"Last year we won it in an empty hall, but there is still a semi-final to play against Toulouse in Coubertin. If we win it, we will play at the AccorHotel Arena. It's a big arena and this time there will be a lot of spectators." 

Against Toulouse, it's bound to be a special game for you? 
"I know the players so it's always special to play against them. They are old friends and it's great to play them. They always play fast and well. These are great matches for the fans. We'll prepare well for this game, because they have a good team too and want to go to the final."

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How do you feel in Paris after two seasons? 
"I feel good in Paris, it's always good to go to training, work with friends and win a lot of games. We won the Liqui Moly StarLigue title, but we still have to fight. I'm happy to be part of this team."

A fortnight ago, it was Sadou (Ntanzi) in your place. He was very complimentary about you. Is he someone you've taken under your wing a bit? 
"We talk a lot, and we try to help each other to play better and to progress. With shooting games for example, we always try to fight and win the fight, I think it's good to push us to go even further."

WATCH THE FIRST PART OF OUR VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH LUC STEINS HERE.

(Credits: A. Gadoffre/Team Pics/PSG)