“We can beat everyone”
If Toulouse is at the gates of the Top 5, it is in particular thanks to the exploits of Jef Lettens. Best goalkeeper in StarLigue, the Belgian had notably won PSG in Toulouse, in the league, with 15 saves. Interview conducted for Handball Magazine and Le Quotidien du Sport.
What is the true level of Fenix capable of beating PSG, but losing points at Chartres in particular?
We have to be 100% in every game to win. If this is not the case, we can lose against everyone. But we can also beat everyone. As we showed against PSG. In Aix and Chartres, we lead then we get caught, to lose points. However, the team was able to strengthen this summer with good experienced players like Diallo, Bonnefond and Paul. It is a denser and more interesting championship. At all levels, it will be interesting. From title to maintenance. It’s nice to be part of it.
Jef Lettens wants to bring down Paris
Is it important to be at the level of PSG?
PSG and Nantes are the two teams in Europe that have shown that the StarLigue is progressing. We will try to do our job too. We also tried to do it in the European League last year. France has a dense championship, after Germany.
Does beating PSG, 35-27, at the start of the season show that you have worked well this summer or that they are less strong this season?
A bit of both. We had already beaten them this summer during the preparation (38-34). It gave us confidence. Before, the PSG was untouchable, suddenly, it gave us material to believe in it. We had a quality match in all areas of the game. It shows their level. It gave us the cursor of what we are capable of. Even more at home. Outside, we don’t have all the ingredients yet. We are still looking for them.
“We had already beaten Paris in preparation”
What can we save for later?
I have a contract until 2025 with an option for 2026. My career will be evaluated with Toulouse. Afterwards, you never know what can happen in sport, but I am happy in Toulouse and I want to climb the ladder with them to settle in the Top 5 and why not dream of aiming for the Champions League. Only time will tell.