In this second part of the interview with Sport France, Laurent Koscielny discussed his and the team’s current form and what the future holds.

When asked if he was playing his best football for the club since he arrived, he admitted that he still has some way to go.

“I think so, but I hope I am not peaking right now. I am 30 years old and I have reached a certain feeling of fullness. I feel I am showing more serenity while I am playing. I am now better at managing and solving problems . I have stepped to another level with regards to my first five years at the club.”

Asked about getting recognition by players like John Terry or Rio Ferdinand who consider him as the best Premier League defender:

“Being recognised by my peers is really pleasing. I am touched by this, those guys know how hard I have worked to reach that level. They know how difficult the center back job is in the Premier League. But I do not want to stop here, I still want to improve and get better.”

About winning the League this season, the centre back was wary.

“Well it is a huge fight this year, the League is more open than ever. Last year Chelsea went ahead early and never loked back. This time it is a four or five horses race.  We are lying in wait. We did a very good first half of the season but had an average January. We need to make sure, we don’t fall behind the other teams and need to be more clinical in attack.”

Asked about the team’s defensive solidity and Peter Cech’s arrival:

“The most important thing is we have kept the same core of players for three years with 80% of the team still around while we have added three world class players who have improved the team: Ozil in 2013, Sanchez in 2014 and Cech in 2015.”

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LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 30: Laurent Koscielny of Arsenal and Andre Gray of Burnley compete for the ball during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Arsenal and Burnley at Emirates Stadium on January 30, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)

Asked about the Champions League’s prospect and the difficulties early in the competition:

“We had a catastrophic start of the tournament, but our 2-0 victory in the third group game against Bayern Munchen gave us the needeed kickstart. Then we managed to do what was necessary to go through with a 3-0 win at Olympiakos.

“We knew that by finishing group runner-up, we would have to play a big team. And there is no one bigger than Barca at the moment.

“It is a great game to play against the best team in the world. We certainly have nothing to lose and might create a huge surprise. Nothing is impossible in football.”

You can read part one of the interview where Kos talks about his contract and captaincy here.