Vincent Gérard: 'An important week'
Saturday evening, Paris Saint-Germain Handball play host to Aix in Lidl StarLigue Round 8 action. Vincent Gérard, Les Rouge et Bleus' 'keeper, talked to us about this match, his relationship with Rodrigo Corrales and his first months in the capital.
Psg.fr: After your victory in Flensburg (29-30) in the mid-week, you are already moving on to face Aix. Is it a stressful period?
Vincent Gérard: That's why we do this job! We want to play big games against big teams. You have to be careful of Aix. They are a great team that has often caused problems in Paris. What is certain is that we are having an important week, both in the championship and in the Velux EHF Champions League.
You Mikkel Hansen and Sander Sagosen back in action...
We're been running ourselves pretty ragged... notably the guys at the back, like Niko (Karabatic), Kim (Ekdahl du Rietz) and Nedim (Remili), who was working overtime. Getting injured layers back does you good! Mikki and Sander will be fresh mentally, but also physically. They will bring us a real plus. Let's hope it pays off in those moments when everyone is getting tired.
You make a great goalkeeping duo with Rodrigo Corrales. How is it sharing duties?
We have so many games that it's difficult for one goalkeeper to take on all the responsibilities. The sharing of playing time is done in an equitable way. It's going well for both of us and we want it to continue. We must be of service and contribute to the collective. If a player tells you he prefers to stay on the bench, he's lying. We train all week for this. But under these conditions, it's not a problem, since everyone plays.
You play with several defensive systems. What's that like?
It is important not to rely solely on one type of defence. We change between 5-1 and 6-0. It causes problems for our opponents. When you are in trouble in one system, you can use the other. What we see from these two defensive patterns is very promising.
What is the difference between the two systems?
The 5-1 defense tries to trap the opponent. There are more shots from the wings and inside six metres. For a goalkeeper, it may be more difficult, because when there is a shot, it's because his defenders have been beaten. In 6-0, we force the attackers to shoot from distance more.
How's your life going in Parisian?
Everything is going well! Life here is very pleasant. Everything is fine in this city. With my family, we are very well settled and we are very happy.
Find the first part of our interview with Vincent Gérard, in video.
(Credits: TeamPics/PSG)