A stunning upset in the Coupe de France saw Paris Saint-Germain eliminated by their city rivals, Paris FC, in the Round of 32. After a solid and defensively compact match, the PFC players managed to hold their PSG counterparts to a draw. And in the dying moments of the game, the visitors found the back of the net through a former PSG youth player, Jonathan Ikoné, securing the victory and qualification for Paris FC. Ilan Kebbal, midfielder for the other Parisian club, spoke to beIN SPORTS about this achievement:
Kebbal: “They had a lot of chances.”
An achievement?
Yes! It was a very difficult match. We all had to run a lot. We had a great goalkeeper too; they had a lot of opportunities. We knew when to strike. Then, we defended as a team. We had some luck, you need a bit of that in these matches. We’re very happy to have qualified.
The tactic was executed perfectly: weather the storm and take advantage of opportunities?
That’s right. We can press these teams, but we see that those who do concede 3, 4, 5 goals. They have world-class players. We knew we were going to be under pressure, but also that we would have space. The longer the match went on, especially in the second half, the more they opened up. They wanted to win in the final 90 minutes.
Any personal milestones to reach?
Of course, it’s my fourth season here, I’m learning, I’m improving. I have a lot of confidence. We’re not where we should be in the league, but we’ll bounce back.
“Wasting time? “That’s the game, that’s football.”
Enjoying defending so much?
There’s pleasure when you get a result in the end. Besides, I’m someone who fundamentally likes to defend. I like to put in the effort. With the quality they have, like Mendes replacing Pacho, you have to. If we concede three or four, it’s complicated. But when you get a result, it’s a pleasure.
Did you run down the clock at the end?
That’s the game, that’s football (smiles).
You’ll have to follow it up against Nantes?
Yes, it’s important. Winning against PSG is good. But we have to move on quickly; we’ll have to be ready in another very difficult match.
