Mathieu Grébille: 'Go all the way'

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On Sunday afternoon, Liqui Moly StarLigue leaders Paris Saint-Germain Handball return to the competition, taking on bottom side Nancy in Round 21 action.Before the match, our left-winger Mathieu Grébille talked to us about the international break and the big matches awaiting the capital club.

How was the training camp with France?

"It is always a pleasure to be called up. Unfortunately, I could not take part in the games because I hurt my ankle. We didn't take any risks and I rested. But it was good to share a moment with my teammates. The results are positive, against two good teams (Norway and Denmark), even though everyone had players missing. We're happy to end the Golden League with a win."

How do you feel in the France squad?

"I have been called up to the French team for several years now. But the quality in the squad means that not everyone can play. The coach has to make his choices... Each call-up is a chance to wear this jersey and rub shoulders with players I appreciate on and off the court."

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We haven't had a chance to talk about the victory against Nantes (34-28). What's your assessment of the game?

"Very satisfying. We are on a perfect record, so it is difficult to do better. But we mustn't let up. There are still a few matches left. There are other big matches coming up too, with the Coupe de France and the EHF Champions League. So we must remain focused, as we have done since the beginning of the season. But it's true that this double victory against Nantes widens the gap on our pursuers and that's a very good omen for the future."

So have you done the hard part?

"No. Everything is possible in sport... But if we continue like this, there is no reason why we can't go all the way. We will do everything to win this title as soon as possible. The grand slam also motivates us. We are having a great season and we want to finish it without any defeats. That's an extra motivation to keep working."

Starting on Sunday in Nancy...

"The resumption after a break is always a little complicated ... The squad was separated and everyone has not rested in the same way. We will have to play a full game. There are bound to be mistakes, but it will allow us to get back into the swing of things." 

This week, there was the draw for the quarter-finals of the Coupe de France. You will play host to Montpellier. What are your thoughts on this match-up?

"It's the Coupe de France, so we have to face big teams if we want to go all the way. It's certainly a good thing to be playing at home and to meet them so early in the competition. It will be a good fight. In the league, we beat them thanks to Mikky's goal at the buzzer. I hope there will be less suspense this time! It's going to be a great show for the crowd and we're going to do everything we can to win."

 

(Credits: A. Gadoffre/TeamPics/PSG)