2023-09-12 05:36:38
His state of form and that of Germany, his memories of the duels against the Mannschaft, his role in the victory against Ireland (2-0), but also Saudi Arabia… Antoine Griezmann was voluble in press conference this Monday, on the eve of the friendly match in Dortmund, his 80th in a row with the Blues, a record.
What do France-Germany represent for you?
Antoine Griezmann. It’s the first best memory in the selection, at the Vélodrome, with the stadium full, great atmosphere where we qualify for the final (2-0 and a double). It was exceptional. Then, the France-Germany games are always full of duels, a little spice on the pitch, there is this rivalry, always big matches, where there is a lot of desire on the players’ side. You dream of playing these matches when you are little, these are the matches that I absolutely wanted to watch on TV and not go to sleep.
You spoke at length with Didier Deschamps at the start of the session this Sunday. Was it tactical or was it to explain to you that you were returning to a press conference?
There’s that too (laughs), I’m laughing. My dad texted me to see if anything was going on. We were talking about the match against Ireland, where the coach asked me if my legs were good in the first half. I felt good but I didn’t touch the ball. I try to be well positioned between the lines. I saw that the game was often going to the left, I went there to bring the ball back to the right and give it to Ousmane (Dembélé) because he was on his legs and he had 1 against 1. It was a way to hurt to the opponent. In the second period, Aurelien (Tchouaméni) and Adrien (Rabiot) played more in 6, it was easier for everyone and the ball arrived more easily to Ousmane who could cause danger. Ireland didn’t know where we were going to attack, it was easier for us to find spaces. My father was reassured.
Do you consider that Randal Kolo Muani has changed status?
Randal surprised me a lot during the World Cup. What he did for his first competition was strong. He is a player who loves to go deep, very vertical, who knows how to easily put himself in the best position to shoot. That’s what I like about him. The confidence he had in himself surprised me. I remember my first competition in Brazil (Editor’s note: in 2014), I was not as calm.
MLS is my main goal
Can you compare him to Marcus Thuram?
Both can play in the center, on the left too, although I think Marcus can play more easily on the left. They are complete, they can score after a dribble, score with their head, they look for space, depth. Often, teams need it. They’re the kind of players we don’t see too much anymore, because now they’re more with the ball at their feet. We need attackers, 9 who require depth, that’s good for the selection and for the club, Paris or Inter, will benefit from them.
What does the situation in Germany inspire you? Which players do you like about her?
I’m surprised because there are great players who play for great clubs. Then there are dynamics where we have to work, we have just learned for the coach (Editor’s note: Hansi Flick fired). They are looking for the right solution, but they have the players to make German football shine again.
Are you already in great shape, even though the start of last season was complicated?
Last year, it was complicated because I only had to come home for 30 minutes, I worked in training and I gave my all for the thirty minutes. Here, I’m not yet 100%, I only had 20 days of vacation. Then, we had a nice little trip between South Korea, Mexico and the United States, so for a prep school, it’s not the best. But I will feel better and better by playing matches every three days.
Do you understand the many departures to Saudi Arabia?
I completely understand those who may have to leave. We are talking about incredible amounts. On the one hand, even if we earn a lot of money, some can secure their children, grandchildren, I find it normal to go there. I think they will have an obligation to play well, show all their talent and win their championship there. Could I go there? I have a family, three children, it’s not an easy decision to make. As you know, MLS is my main goal… I was going to say NFL (the American football league).
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