Echouafni: ‘Ready to meet this challenge head on’
Paris Saint-Germain coach Olivier Echouafni spoke to the media ahead of the UEFA Women's Champions League semi-final against Olympique Lyonnais this Wednesday.
LYON
“This will be our fourth meeting with Lyon this season, but, once again, it will be very different from the others. We are fully focused and very determined. We want to play an excellent game of football.”
HOW IS PARIS APPROACHING THE GAME?
“The slate has been wiped clear. We know these games are very difficult, really tough games, but it’s normal that Olympique Lyonnais be considered favourites. But we want to play well. They have a lot of experience, but we have been working very hard to reach their level. We are ready to meet this challenge head on.”
SPIRIT
“This isn’t the final before the final. But one thing is sure, a French team will be in the final on 30 August. That’s a good thing. We were very happy with the qualification against Arsenal, but it wasn’t over the top, because we know we still have a lot more we want to accomplish and we have other objectives.”
SQUAD STRENGTHS
“We work hard to improve season after season. I think the squad has taken a big step forward in terms of maturity. I can see that the players are focused and determined. They are also capable of playing to their full potential with is a very positive sign. It’s also the start of the season, even if we are still finishing last season. I think we will be stronger and stronger in the coming weeks.”