Trapp returns to Paris, facing his former club PSG. The German goalkeeper discusses the immense challenge and emotional significance of this unique derby.
Kevin Trapp was in a press conference on Friday with his manager, Stephane Gilli, two days before the Parisian derby between his former club, PSG, and his new one, Paris FC. An opportunity for the German goalkeeper to discuss a match that is inevitably very special for him.
Having joined PSG in 2015 from Frankfurt, Kevin Trapp returned to Germany three years later, first on loan, then on a transfer. Last summer, the experienced 35-year-old German goalkeeper decided to return to Paris, but to bolster the promoted Paris FC, where he was initially the backup to French Olympic vice-champion Obed Nkambadio (22 years old).
For a few weeks now, there has been real competition between the two goalkeepers, and Trapp started the last two Ligue 1 matches while Nkambadio played the French Cup round of 32 just before the break. On Friday, two days before the derby against PSG, Kevin Trapp appeared at a press conference alongside his manager, Stephane Gilli.
Former PSG Goalkeeper Kevin Trapp Previews 'Special' Derby Against Old Club
"I am happy to see Marquinhos or members of the staff again," the German confided in comments reported by Le Parisien. "I experienced many things in that stadium and that club, where I spent three or four magnificent years. Naturally, it's a pleasure, but it remains a football match, so we stay focused on our work."
For Kevin Trapp, a world separates the two teams, and so his Paris FC doesn't have much to lose in this match: "For me, there is no better way to start the year than to face the best team in Europe. You have to be at 100%, very efficient. It will require a lot from our side, and we can learn a lot. We will have to defend a lot and suffer together and, above all, not think we are beaten in advance. There must be more excitement than fear."
Regarding the famous question of rivalry, Trapp believes it does not exist... for the moment: "Today, the differences between PSG and PFC are enormous," he reminded. "We are a promoted team, we just want to stay up, and I don't think there is any rivalry. But in the long term, perhaps the ambitions could be the same."
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