Toulouse. Théodor Paul: “For me, Jef is number one”
The new Fenix keeper opens up about his choice to join Toulouse, as well as the pair he will now form with Jef Lettens.
Téodor, why did you choose Toulouse to pursue your career in France?
I’m coming to the end of my contract at Nîmes and Fenix have shown interest in my profile. I must say that it made me happy and I didn’t think long before committing myself (he smiles).
What does this club represent for you?
The Fénix a story. It’s a club that counts in the championship, I’ve realized that since I’ve been playing in France for four and a half years. And even if we are not playing the European Cup, I am very happy to be here. I like the club and I’m going to get to know the city better, but from what I’ve already seen, it’s really very pleasant.
It seems that you played against your new coach, is that correct?
Yes, when Dani (Andjelkovic, editor’s note) played in Szeged, I also played in the Hungarian championship, in Budapest. I’m not sure he remembers me because I was very young, but he was already a big star!
Goalkeeper is a special position with head-on competition for a starting spot: what is your view of Jef Lettens, your partner in goal?
Jef had a wonderful last season, really. I saw several of his matches and each time some kind of great performances with really impressive percentages. For me, Jef is number one.
But when you’re number two you now aspire to become number one, right?
It will be the choice of the staff, who will have to decide according to the state of form of one or the other. I will take advantage of the preparation to get to know my partners in defense better. Afterwards, of course I will give 100% to play as much as possible and if they trust me I will do everything to be worthy of it.
From a collective point of view, what are your first impressions of the squad?
They are very good. I am convinced that we have a group capable of playing the Top 6. And therefore of joining the race for European places. There is youth, experience and very few movements compared to last season when the team was already performing well. So we have something to be ambitious about.