Raul Gonzalez: 'Keep it up'

Psg.fr: At the end of the first half of the season, you've won all your games except the two against Barcelona. So were they the team that gave you the most problems?
Raul Gonzalez: We're talking about one of the best teams in the world, with an extraordinary squad. They can do whatever they want. They're going to win the Spanish league quite easily, so they can devote themselves to the Champions League. They're one of the favourites for the Final4.

Is it a setback to see the first place slip away?
Last season we finished first in our group, but we didn't qualify for the Final4, which is our real goal. The Champions League will really start in earnest in the next round. We have to be satisfied because we've had several injury problems. We're going to fight for second place in the group and prepare for our Round of 16 match. But we still have plenty of time between now and then.

Overall, what do you think of your group stage performance?
I'm satisfied with it. The matches against Barcelona, Szeged and the other big teams may seem the most important. But sometimes it's harder to play an underdog at home. They don't usually have the pressure to win, so they go all-out because they have nothing to lose. In this context, we've won all our matches, in style.

This is your second season in Paris. During the pre-season, you were able to build on a strong season. Was it easier?
Yes, it is... Now everyone understands what has to be done!

And your French has also improved!
I don't know [laughs]! I'm trying hard, but I know I have to do more to improve...

Once again this season again, the team is doing a lot of video work...
For me and for Jota [Jesus Gonzalez], this is very important. When the players see in video what they have to reproduce, it's easier to work. We also use it to review our old games and correct what we've done wrong.

Speaking of which, in what area do you think the team needs to improve?
The players who are here play a lot of games, whether in Paris or with the national team. It's difficult to stay focused for 60 games! So you have to adapt to fatigue. But we know that before we start the season. So it's difficult to know what you need to improve, it depends on how the players feel. You have to adapt.

That's what happened with Nedim Remili. When he got injured, did you already anticipate that Mikkel Hansen could play at right-back?
Mikki plays very well in that position with Denmark. We're playing in a similar way. I'm very happy because it went well.

The Euro is about to start. What do you watch for when you watch these games?
First of all, I'm going to enjoy watching them. Then, I'm going to watch my players' performances. We have to be happy for them. It's hard to pick a favourite for the title; a lot of teams could do it.

What can we wish you for 2020?
We've need to keep doing what we've been doing, because it's going to be a tough season. So I just want us to keep going!

Check out the first part of our video interview with Raul Gonzalez below.

(Credits: TeamPics/PSG)