Nikola Karabatic: 'I can't wait'

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On Tuesday evening, Paris Saint-Germain Handball travel to Nantes, their nearest chasers on the Liqui Moly StarLigue standings. Nikola Karabatic took the opportunity to talk about Les Rouge et Bleu's start to the league season (12 wins in 12 games), but also about the impending clash with Nantes!

Limoges and Nancy have given you tough tests. Does that prove that there are no easy games?

"Every opponent is difficult! Our form at the beginning of the season is not a verdict on the true quality of this championship. We have won all our games, but we have seen some of the 'bigger' sides getting caught out. It shows that every match is complicated. We have to take everyone seriously and we are aware of that. It's not because we're on a good run that we're going to take another team lightly or that we think we're better. That's also our strength."

And you're winning by big margins...

"We enjoy ourselves on the court. Everyone contributes to the game. There is a really good atmosphere in this squad. The chemistry is good, so it's going well. We have to remain vigilant. But we have enough experience to know that a good start to the season does not guarantee a title."

On Tuesday, you face your nearest rivals Nantes. What do you think of their start to the season?

"They had some unexpected things at the beginning, but after that they got back on track. Now they are in very good form. It will be the last league match of the year, in a very full Halle XXL, so I think it will be a great game with a great atmosphere. I'm looking forward to it! It's going to be a great game and I hope we manage to win it, even though Nantes will obviously be very dangerous."

If you win, do you think you will have taken a big step towards the title?

"I'm not thinking about that yet... We are only half-way through the season and a lot can happen. Of course, we are in a good position, but I don't think about that. I'm taking it one game at a time. We have enough in the calendar not to think about the future. I'm just concentrating on this match and on the pleasure I'm going to have playing it."

You recently extended your contract with Paris. How do you feel?

"I'm very happy that the Club has trusted me to continue the adventure for another season. I try to give back on the court every day by bringing a lot of energy. I feel privileged... I also know that I'm approaching the end, so I'm enjoying all these moments with my teammates. The fact that we are winning contributes to the good atmosphere. We have fun together, be it in the warm-up games or on our travels. I think you can feel it. It's a positive loop. We know that a lot of players are leaving this summer, so we want to enjoy these last moments together."

Watch the first part of our video interview with Nikola Karabatic.

(Credits: A. Meunier/A. Gadoffre/TeamPics/PSG)