Sadou Ntanzi: 'The league isn't finished yet'

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On Sunday afternoon, Paris Saint-Germain Handball travel to Dunkirk for their Liqui Moly StarLigue Round 24 clash. For the occasion, Rouge et Bleu centre-half Sadou Ntanzi sat down to talk with us about the league campaign and plenty more...

Lately, you've only had one game a week. Does that feel good physically? 

"Yes, it feels great. After our victory in the Coupe de France against Montpellier (41-24), we had three days of rest. It's always nice to be able to breathe before starting the final stretch."

There was also the international break, where you went to see France play. When you see that, what does it inspire in you?

"I hope one day to be there and play at the AccorHotel Arena with France, singing the Marseillaise, in front of my family and the French people. I'm working hard to reach that level."

On a personal level are you satisfied with your season in Paris?

"Yes, but I am working hard to get even more playing time. You never know what can happen. You also have to be ready at any time to replace players who may get injured. So it's important for the Club to always have 16 players in good physical condition."

You are lucky to have two great players to share your position: are Luc Steins and Nikola Karabatic. We can imagine that you learn a lot...

"Yes, that's exactly it! The goal is to take the best from Niko, the best from Luc and to make a Sadou Ntanzi [laughs]. I'm really lucky to be with them. Every day, they teach me new things. They always work very seriously. It keeps me serious and focused myself."

Let's talk a little about the championship. In your last match, against Cesson-Rennes (23-30), you broke the record for the most wins in a row to start a season (23). What does this mean to you?

"I am happy to have been able to participate in setting this record. I got a lot of playing time in that game, although unfortunately it was because Luke had a sore knee. I thank the coach for having trusted me. We hope to extend this record as long as possible."

You are now nine points ahead of your nearest rivals. For you, is the title already secured?

"No! We play every game to the fullest, you never know... At any time, we can falter and lose games so it is important to remain focused to win. The leage isn't finished yet."

On Sunday, you face Dunkerque, with the objective of continuing your winning streak. Is ending the season having won all your matches something important for you?

"We think about it too... But we're staying focused on what is most important: winning the title. As for the rest, we will see afterwards."

Concerning the EHF Champions League, you're making your start in the competition this season. What does it mean to you?

"Everyone wants to play this competition and be able to win it. I am honoured and take it very seriously."

Your next opponents are Kiel... they're pretty impressive, no?

"Kiel are really good opponents. There are very good players there like Sander Sagosen, who played in Paris. Moreover, last year they beat us on their home pitch, with a very high intensity. So we will have to be solid as of the first leg."

The possibility of making it to the Final4 must be a dream...

"Yes, it is a dream. I've been watching this competition since I started playing handball. To go there would be something really incredible."

Watch the first part of our video interview with Sadou Ntanzi here.

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