Their place in the Champions League final was (almost) reserved in the 80th minute of play. Then, the air gap. In 360 seconds, PSG collapsed and lost the good lead they had taken at Parc OL. From 0-2, we went to 3-2 for the Fenottes. So, obviously, on the Parisian side, there was disappointment, even frustration, with Jocelyn Prêcheur emphasizing that Paris had fallen back into its “mental failings”.
But, with only one goal behind, and a match to be played at the Parc des Princes, Sandy Baltimore’s teammates went into commando mode for the return. With the hope, beyond this semi-final return, of winning the Champions League for the first time. For this, PSG will be able to count on its French international, who had made Selma Bacha suffer martyrdom in the first leg.
Facing Lyon so often in the Champions League, does that really have a European flavor?
Yes, all the same, we feel that it really is a European Cup match. And then, there is the atmosphere around this match, there will be a lot of people at the Park, the supporters with us [plus de 20.000 places ont déjà été vendues]. Afterwards, Lyon, we know them, they are a real opponent. We are used to playing against them often, there will be a lot of intensity on both sides.
Looking back, what happened on the way out, during those six minutes when you completely lost track of the meeting?
We felt good… And there was this little relaxation. It “killed” us, frustrated us, we were really angry. But we weren’t disappointed with our performance and what we were able to show, because we still won 2-0 at home. Afterwards, they were at home, there were their supporters, they didn’t give up. Mentally, they really woke up. And then, their changes really helped them. But hey, there’s only one goal difference, it’s nothing.
Jocelyn Prêcheur spoke of mental problems. Is this something you’ve been working on this week?
Yes, we worked on that. We have a mental coach with the group. We have sessions during which we talk about our feelings on the pitch, with the emotions, the intensity, the atmosphere there. There, there will be a lot of people behind to push us.
What can you say about the formidable trio that you form with Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Tabitha Chawinga?
Marie, I’ve known her for a long time and since I turned pro, I’ve always played with her. So the connection is good. With Tabitha [arrivée l’été dernier], it happened naturally and quickly. They are two very great players and two very good attackers. I have a little freedom. In the first leg in Lyon, the coach put me on the ball, so I had the whole lane, but he told me that I could go inside, like at the end of the first period, to find the attacker. I could go almost everywhere.
You are having one of your best seasons in the PSG jersey…
Frankly, yes, I think I’m having a good season, especially compared to last year, where it wasn’t easy. The goal was to get back to my level. I worked on the mental side, with my personal mental coach, who helped me a lot, as did my family, my friends and my agents. I am a person who will never give up despite the difficulty, I was so angry…
Did the non-selection for the World Cup last summer with the French team also serve as a trigger?
Not really. These are the coach’s choices. He decided that I wouldn’t participate, OK. Now the World Cup is in the past, I wasn’t going to stay focused on that.
You found the French team during the last gatherings. It bodes well before the Olympics, right?
Before the Paris Olympics, I had to think about myself, to return to my level, to regain confidence in myself, that I have playing time. This year, the coach trusts me a lot more, so I am more at ease, more relaxed. Afterwards, for the Olympics, we will see, because first of all there is the Champions League, the Coupe de France, the play-offs, there are a lot of things. But if I’m there, so much the better, we’ll see.