Paris Saint-Germain Féminine will play in their first non-friendly match when the squad takes on FC Girondins de Bordeaux in the Coupe de France semifinals match. Canal Supporters relayed manager Olivier Echouafni’s words after he spoke with the media.
One of the first questions that Echouafni answered would be over the state of the group. The squad has played in two friendlies since the resumption of play, but there will be a berth in the Coupe de France final on the line against Bordeaux.
“I’m going to be honest with you, even if there is still a practice this afternoon, we go with a whole group,” Echouafni said. “We have players who will, unfortunately, not be able to come to Bordeaux by the regulations, in particular Bénédicte Simon. We will take no risk with players who have already played in the competition with another team or who have been on a score sheet.”
Then the question transitioned over to match against Bordeaux.
“It’s quite exceptional what Bordeaux is doing. It is already a team which is part of the top 5. It is one of the best French teams and which has strong ambitions. For us, it will not be obvious to us,” Echouafni said. “We will be keen to have a good match. There is a final at stake. There is a place in the final to be fetched tomorrow. And then I hope and wish a great Champions League course.”
Last December, PSG midfielder Sara Däbritz suffered an ACL injury, and Echouafni provided an update on the German international.
“She is doing very well. She is impatient, but we are vigilant because we know very well that after so much inactivity. You have to follow the steps,” Echouafni said. “We will certainly have the possibility of playing it in the coming weeks.”
Echouafni then discussed the Coupe de France. PSG Féminine won the trophy back in 2018, and the squad is keen on winning it this season.
“It’s already a first official match. We are very happy to be able to finish this competition. We must highlight what the Federation decided. It’s a special scent, already because PSG won it, especially in 2018,” Echouafni said. “We are keen to seek a title in our 2019-2020 season. It could be a great challenge, a great goal for the group after the frustration of the championship.”
Finally, the last question was over PSG sporting director Leonardo, who is becoming a visible figure around the women’s squad.
“Leo is someone who is very close to the staff, very very close to the group,” Echouafni said. “He comes to see us regularly. He brings all his experience, and it is important to him to show that the PSG section is there and present. For that, it is a very good thing.”
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