Nikola Karabatic: 'Continue our run'

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Before the match against Chartres this weekend, Nikola Karabatic sat down to answer some questions.

Against Toulouse, in the Coupe de France (39-32), you did what was necessary to ensure a quiet end to the game...

"The end of a match is never quiet. But it's true that we played very well. We started the game well and we were soon in the clear. In the second half, they came back a little bit but we put the pedal to the metal so it shows that matches are never foregone conclusions. We give everything on the court."

In the final you will meet Nantes. Is that the ideal match?

"Nantes have had a very good season and won the Coupe de la Ligue. They are also in the running to finish second in the league and made it to the quarter-finals of the EHF Cup, so they are a big team. Meeting them in the final will be a great handball moment and I'm looking forward to it."

It will also be a final at the Accor Hotel Arena. What does it mean to you, who must have a lot of memories in this venue? 

"For me, the Accor Hotel Arena is a legendary French venue and for handball. Of course we won the world championship there in 2017, it's a magical memory with the atmosphere and the fans. There was also the Bercy tournament there, but also the cup finals with Paris. It's a great venue for French handball and it will be a pleasure to see it again."

What is your assessment of the season so far? 

"We're having a record season, we have won all our games and we're champions ahead of schedule. When you look at the quality of the French league, it's really something to do that."

The objective now is to be the first team to have a perfect league season? 

"Yes, the objective is to continue our run as far as possible. It's a goal that will boost us and that's achievable. Even if there will be complicated away games. But it gives us extra motivation for the end of the season."

How do you feel personally this season?

"I am very happy individually but also collectively with my season. For me it started at the end of the last one because of my injury but also because of the preparations for the Olympic Games. I am satisfied to have been able to keep the pace when, on top of that, there was the European Championship. So far I am very happy with my teams whether it is Paris or France, but also with my performances and my body."

WATCH THE FIRST PART OF OUR VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH NIKOLA KARABATIC

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