Rodrigo Corrales: 'Friends forever… except this Sunday'

Psg.fr: Many see you as favourites in the Champions League. What do you think of this status?
Rodrigo Corrales: It's difficult, because we're only at the beginning of the season... Many also think that other teams are the favourites. The most important thing is to be the best. The group stage is good for building confidence, but we will have to perform well in March and April. The competition is long and we have to learn from our mistakes last season. The ambitions of the club and the team are very high.

You will face Szeged, who toppled Barcelona on Matchday 1...
We'll have to play a controlled game. The two coaches are preparing their game plans well so it will be tight. Szeged are confident after their victory against Barcelona and they're a side who caused us problems last year. We're expecting a real Champions League-level clasg and we'll have to be at 100% to get the win. In any case, we want to take both points on offer s we get back into action at Coubertin.

It will also be the return of Luka Stepancic!
That's one of the may interesting aspects of this meeting. I would prefer to meet him during the holidays than ouyt on the court! People say that "during a game, there are no friends". I am his friend every day of his life, except Sunday (laughs).

You have a new 'keeping partner this season, Vincent Gérard. How's your relationship with him going?
Everything is going well! With Titi (Omeyer), I had two incredible years. Everyone knows what he represents. When I first came here, I was a huge fan of his. His career was exceptional; he won everything. It was great being in a team with him and I will never forget it. But Vincent is also a great goalkeeper. He is great guy and didn't take long to fir right into the squad.

How is the competition with Vincent going?
I always think collectively. If the team wins, everything goes well. Everyone wants to play well, but the important thing is the team. I'd rather he play and have the team win than play and lose. He's not my competitor - he's my partner. We're going to have opportunities at different times. He started the season off very well and is helping us to win trophies. I have only good words for him. Together, we'll try to make Paris go as far as possible.

This will be your last season in Paris. How are you feeling?
All I want is to have fun and enjoy all the moments with my teammates. I made some real friends there. I want to win a lot of things with Paris. I'm going to miss the city too. I want to leave here with a good image, both on and off the court. This has been one of the best times of my life.

The first part of our interview with Rodrigo Corrales (video) can be found here.

(Credits: TeamPics/PSG)