Sander Sagosen: 'Every match is different'
A few hours ahead of the clash with Kielce in the Velux EHF Champions League quarter-finals, Sander Sagosen talked with us about Les Rouge et Bleu's huge double-header. The Paris Saint-Germain Handball playmaker also had some thoughts about his departure from the club...
Psg.fr: Last season, you turned in an excellent performance avaient Kielce. Do you think things will be different tonight?
Sander Sagosen: We hope not! Last year, we were ten goals up at the break. We hope we can play at that level again. But this is handball, and every match is different. Playing in Kielce is always tough. We've prepared well for this match, as we know it will be a tough one.
You mentioned the first half of last year's quarter-final (10-22). At that moment, sis you think the match was over?
Sometimes in handball, everything goes your way. But it can also go the other way too. If, in our heads, we think it will go as well as it did last season, then we won't get off to a good start. Kielce will give everything they have to beat us, especially at home.
Do you get the feeling that the whole season hinges on what happens now?
We fight for ten months to reach our objectives. We're coming to a turning point in the season. Despite our strong performances in the group stage, if we lose over these next two matches, we will be out of the competition. We want to make it to the Final4, and we know that anything can happen.
Next season will be your last with Paris before a move to Kiel. What will that be like?
I'll just try to stay professional. Right now, everyone knows what's in my future. But for me it's very important to play well wherever I am at any given point. I want to achieve some great things before leaving the club. If I'm not 100% focused, I won't perform well.
How did your teammates react when they heard about your departure?
Maybe a few of them were happy [laughs]. But seriously, it's alway like that when you play at this level. Players arrive and players leave. What's for sure is that I will give my all for them before I leave the club.
How do you hope to mark the end of your time with Paris?
I want to win the French league and the Champions League twice. Next year, I also want to win every cup on offer. That would make everyone happy before I head off.
What has your time with Paris changed for you?
My time here has helped me to grow as a player and as a person! I have learnt a lot about myself here. The fact that I train with great players and a great coach, Raul Gonzalez, every day, has helped me to keep making progress.
Check out the first part of our interview with Sander Sagosen on video.
The match between Kielce and Paris begins at 18:00. Follow it on beIN SPORTS 2or on our social media platforms.
(Credits: TeamPics/PSG)