Mikkel Hansen: 'Happy to be back with my team-mates'
Paris Saint-Germain Handball's Danish left-back Mikkel Hansen answered some questions from beIN SPORTS, speaking about lockdown, his goals for the future and the Velux EHF Champions League.
How was lockdown for you?
My family and I went to Denmark, where we were lucky enough to have a garden in which to enjoy the fresh air. It was a very good thing for us and especially for my son, who is now 17 months old. He could play outside! We also found other ways to keep ourselves busy, like cooking...
It wasn't too long a stretch without handball?
It was weird for me, precisely because I couldn't play handball. COVID-19 stopped everything, be it in France or Denmark. So we couldn't play the important matches that were coming up, especially in the Velux EHF Champions League. I missed handball as much as any player, but the time spent with my family was precious. It gives me a lot of joy!
What was it like seeing your Paris Saint-Germain Handball team-mates again?
Everybody was happy to be back! Now we're preparing for next season, which promises to be long and difficult. We have a good program. Now we can train as a team, but we can still take precautions. We wear masks during training and stay out of each others' way. We'll wait a little longer before the sessions become 'normal' again, but it's a real pleasure to be able to train again!
In December, you will also play in the Final4 of the Velux EHF Champions League 2020 (with Barcelona, Veszprém and Kiel). What do you expect from this event?
It's special, because we qualified directly for the Final4, after the competition stopped... There are only good teams! Everybody's going to give it their best shot. We're going to try to start by winning the semi-final. This event is going to come in the middle of a long season, so we need to prepare well. In that respect it will be a first for all participants. Then we'll be on national-team duty for the 2020 World Cup.
How do you feel in Paris?
Great! There's a lot to be done there. It's great to live here! It is a city of art and architecture, and there are also excellent restaurants. But I also play on a great team. Every player would want to play for a club like Paris Saint-Germain Handball, which has big ambitions, especially in terms of winning it all.
Do you have a last word for your supporters?
Take care and see you soon out on the court!
(Credits: J. Azouze/PSG)