Yann Genty: 'It's missing from my trophy cabinet'

How did the international break go?

"Very well. We worked a lot with Arthur [Yapo, the physical trainer of the club]. I also saw the matches that France played this weekend. We got to see new players wearing the blue jersey! Despite the defeat, the match against Denmark was encouraging and they were able to beat Norway. It's interesting to see this new generation."

You have just left this team with an Olympic medal. What does that mean to you?

"It's sublime, the ultimate dream! It's a competition that only takes place every four years, so it's difficult to say to yourself that you're going to go, because you know that a sportsman's career is quite short. It's good just to take part, but to win it is magic [smiles]. Before the victory, I had already announced my retirement. Les Bleus have to prepare for the 2024 Olympic Games. There was no reason for me to continue, apart from another goalkeeper's injury. It was the right time to leave my position, so that the others could work calmly."

How would you sum up your international career?

"Short, but intense. I only played two years, but I was able to play in three important competitions. Whether it was the Euro, the World Cup or the Olympics, it was always something different."

Since then, you have returned to Paris. What do you make of your start to the season?

"Collectively, it hasn't been too bad... We lost some games in the Champions League, but they were away from home. We also won the games we had to win at home, and I'm satisfied, because each time we lost it was only by a small margin. It has always come down to small details, and we can still make a top-two finish [which qualifies directly for the quarter-finals). Anyone can beat anyone. We have to progress from this group and then we'll see. In the league, we are on a perfect run. We had some good fortune in Montpellier (33-34), but we deserved the victory. Everything is going very well."

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And individually?

"There are still things to improve, but it's much better than last season. I am well supported by my defence and they trust me more. They play with a lot of impact and intensity, especially in the big games. Sometimes we are leading by ten points at half-time, so it's more complicated to ask the players to apply themselves defensively. After that, as a goalkeeper, you are more exposed. But here, all the players step up and that makes our task easier."

On Wednesday evening, you face Toulouse in the Coupe de la Ligue - the only domestic trophy you personally haven't won. Is it important for you to get your hands on it?

"Yes, a trophy is always important, but this one is particularly so. In two games you can be in the final and in three you can win the competition. It's missing from my trophy cabinet, so I'm going to try to get it back. The motivation is there!"

But we'll have to beat Toulouse first. What do you think of this team?

"In the league, I have the impression that they are having a bit of a rollercoaster ride, but they play good games in the European Cup, where they have bothered a lot of teams. When we met them two months ago [during the second round of the Liqui Moly StarLigue campaign, a 43-28 win], their team was still getting up to speed, but they are doing much better now. We felt that they were trying to find their identity, but at the break, the match was tied. Still, they are not the same team anymore."

To follow the match (kick-off at 20:00):
- Television: LNH TV and Twitch (multiplex)
- Our social networks: via our live-tweet

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(Credits: A. Gadoffre/TeamPics/PSG)