Nikola Karabatic: 'Our destiny in our hands'

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After last weekend's crunch clash in Montpellier (31-30), Paris Saint-Germain Handball immediately follow up with another big massive Liqui Moly StarLigue match-up, travelling to Nantes for Round 15. We discussed this very tough schedule with Les Rouge et Bleus' legendary left-back Nikola Karabatic.

Despite the defeat against Montpellier, were you satisfied with your performance?

"It's frustrating... I wouldn't say we played a good game. But away from home, it's never easy. We controlled the game and the score. We lead almost the whole time and to lose by a goal, at the end of a game like that, leaves a bitter taste. But that's how it is... We knew that it would be difficult to win in Montpellier. It doesn't change anything in terms of our motivation and our confidence in ourselves."

Precisely, before facing Nantes, you are only two points behind Montpellier, having lost by only one goal there. So things aren't looking too bad, are they?

"We are three clubs neck and neck and we've all dropped points off the pace and we'll have the advantage of playing the return games at home. These are bonus games that could give us an edge over our opponent, but having lost doesn't rule out anything at all."

Isn't this end-of-year run in Montpellier and Nantes decisive for the title race?

"It can be if we win these games. But if we lose them, we're not out of the title race. We still have the return matches with our destiny in our hands."

Is it an advantage to play these two opponents away from home before taking them on in Paris?

"Not necessarily... To play them in a row like this, against two title contenders, especially at this point in the season, is difficult. If we don't deal with a defeat well, it can be difficult to play again immediately on the road. But that's the way it is. We are happy to play in awesome venues with lots of fans!"

Has playing in front of full houses on the road, against opponents who give it their all, become your daily routine?

"When we travel, it is always sold out. But the particularity of Montpellier and Nantes is that these two teams have very large arenas. We don't have the opportunity to play every day in front of 10,000 spectators."

Against Nantes, do you expect the same type of match as against Montpellier?

"There will be a lot of intensity. It's the last game before the international break, so both teams will be fired up. Nantes will be very motivated and very aggressive in front of their fans. They are a great team, who beat us in the Trophée des Champions (33-37). Their performances in the championship and in the EHF Champions League gives them confidence. It's going to be a big game."

Before facing Nantes, what's your assessment of this first half of the season?

"Overall, it's rather positive. Especially in the EHF Champions League. Despite our defeat against Magdeburg (33-37), we remain in the top two places of the group and we are very well placed. It's very positive, because it was not a given from the outset. In the league, things are good, without being extraordinary. We have shown some limits, but they were not prohibitive. After losing in Toulouse (35-27), we were able to bounce back."

(Credits: J. Azouze/PSG)