Flashscore: How are you feeling two days before the final?
Romée Leuchter: "Yesterday we had a match, and today was a travel day. It’s a busy schedule, but I feel good. We’ve had a very warm welcome here, which is nice. It’s my first time in the Ivory Coast. As for visiting the city, I don’t think we’ll have time since our schedule is all about football."
It’s quite special to play a national cup final abroad...
"Yes, it’s special to play a final in the Ivory Coast. It’s the first time in my career I’m playing a final outside the country where my club is based. Tomorrow we have one last training session to get familiar with the pitch, and I hope we’ll be ready for Saturday."
Your supporters and those from Lyon have decided to boycott the final. Is it strange not to have your fans there?
"I understand the fans’ frustration because it’s hard to come all the way here. For us, it’s something special too. We’re expecting a big crowd tomorrow, so at least there will be some atmosphere."
Since joining PSG, you haven’t won a trophy yet. Is this a big opportunity?
"Definitely. As a player, you always want to win trophies. I hope we win this match and lift the cup. We’re facing a very strong opponent, so it won’t be easy, but it’s a new game."
Another PSG-Lyon final...
"I think the two best teams are meeting in the final, so it’s normal. Maybe it’s unfortunate for the other teams, but in the end, it’s always the best who win."
As a striker, is it frustrating to always face Lyon’s defense?
"They’re a tough opponent, and it’s hard to play against them. But we have a lot of confidence. It’s a new game, and I hope we can win."
Is there a sense of revenge after your 1-0 loss at Parc des Princes last month?
"You always want to win these games. Lyon has excellent players, but we also have a very good group. You can call it revenge if you want, but we just want to win this match."
'It was a shock'
PSG are in fourth in the league, qualified for the French Cup semi-final, and now in this final. How do you see the season?
"I think, especially after the winter break, we’ve played very well. We only lost to Lyon and won the rest, so we’re on a good run and need to keep going. We’re in the final here, in the French Cup semi-final. I think we’re on the right track."
Did it take time for the team to find its rhythm as new players came in and younger ones integrated?
"It’s always like that at the start of the season, you begin with a new group and have to get used to each other. We have talented young players, as well as experienced ones. We had to adapt to each other, and I think since the winter break, things have been going really well."
How did the squad react to the 9-point deduction in the league, a penalty due to an administrative error with Florianne Jourde’s license?
"It was a shock, we didn’t expect it. But we had to deal with it and focus on the pitch. Despite the points taken away, I’m happy with my performances so far. The most important thing is to win our matches, though I hope to score even more."
'I want to be important'
Speaking of your performances, you’re currently the league’s top scorer. Was that your goal before the season started?
"Yes, I’m happy so far. I’ve scored a few goals and want to keep going, hopefully scoring even more. The most important thing is to win our games."
You’re more decisive than last year. How do you explain that?
"I’m not sure. Last season was my first at the club, and I think I did well for a first-year. But the second season is always easier. I feel good here, I’m happy."
With Marie-Antoinette Katoto leaving, you’re now the starting number 9. What does that change?
"For me, I don’t see it that way. I’m just happy to play and want to show what I can do for the team. I want to help the team, be important."
Before you arrived at PSG, you were scoring a lot at Ajax, but didn’t score as much in your first season. Was it frustrating or did you know it was part of the process?
"No, I think it’s part of the process. Of course, everything is new: a new club, new people, a new country, a new language. You have to get used to all that, feel at home. My first season was decent to start with, and I hope it gets better every year."
We mentioned there are a lot of young players in the team. Does that give you more responsibility, being here for your second season? Do you feel more experienced than them?
"Yes, I think so. Sometimes it’s hard for me to communicate with them because my French isn’t very good, but if they have questions or if I can help, of course, I will. But I don’t feel it’s my job to help them “that much.” If they want to know something, I help, but it’s not my main mission."
You’re scoring more goals, providing more assists. Is that also a sign you’ve adapted to life in Paris?
"Yes, I think so. I really like the club and the people. When you feel good off the pitch, you see it on the pitch too. I’m happy with where I live, the club is good, the people are nice. I’m really enjoying it so far."
And you’re taking French lessons with other players?
"Yes, I have French classes with a club teacher. I think I can still improve a lot, but I’m working on it."
Looking at your Instagram, you don’t share much outside of football. What do you do in your free time?
"I’m quite a reserved person. Sometimes my boyfriend comes from the Netherlands to Paris, and we like to spend time together. Sometimes I go out with my teammates, but sometimes I just stay home and relax, and that’s nice too. I’m pretty calm."
'I hope to become the number one striker for the Netherlands'
Speaking of the Netherlands, you’re part of a new generation taking on a bigger role in the national team. How do you see the squad evolving a year and a half before the World Cup?
"We’ve said goodbye to some very experienced players, and now a lot of young ones are coming in. I think it’s good. We have a nice mix of young talent and experienced players. We have a good group."
And how do you feel in this team? What’s your role? Looking at the Euro matches, for example, you were more of a “super-sub” than a starter...
"We have a new manager (Arjan Veurink), so things will change, but I think I’m very close to the starting eleven. I’m happy about that. I just need to keep going, score goals here at PSG, and hopefully become the number one striker for the Netherlands."
You grew up watching the Netherlands win Euro 2017 and reach the World Cup final in 2019. How did that history influence your decision to become a professional footballer?
"I was 16 when the Netherlands won the Euros. It gave the country a huge boost, and also inspired young girls to become footballers. It was a very important moment for the country. For me, it was a dream to join the senior national team and, hopefully, win trophies with them."
So it motivates you to bring back the glory days for the Dutch national team?
"Of course. We have a very good group, so I hope one day we’ll win trophies again."
During the next international break, the Netherlands will face France twice over four days in World Cup qualifiers. You’ll be up against several PSG teammates. Do you talk about it together?
"We haven’t talked about it yet, but maybe when the time gets closer... France is a very strong opponent. Playing them twice in such a short time is always tough, no matter the team. But we’re looking forward to it, and I hope we can win."
Looking at the end of the season, you’ve already scored 14 league goals. You’re still in the running in D1, the French Cup... What are your goals for the rest of the season?
"Winning trophies. That would be really good for the club and our team. We’ll do everything to win them. We’ll see at the end of the season. We’re still in the race for the top 4, and with the playoffs, you never know what can happen."
Did you set yourself a goal for the number of goals before the season started?
"I never set a number, I just try to do my best for the team. Of course, I want to score a lot, but I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself."
What would be your dream as a player?
"Winning the Champions League and winning the World Cup."