Friday evening, in Marseille, Jonathan Clauss (29) experienced immense emotion. One more, and not the least. Came into play in the 88th minute against Côte d’Ivoire (2-1), the right side of Lens took the blue jersey for the first time. A selection that could call for a second this Tuesday evening, in Lille, on the occasion of the second friendly match of this gathering for the Habs, against South Africa.
Did the emotion of your first call fade after a week with the group and your entry on Friday evening against Côte d’Ivoire?
JONATHAN CLAUSS. With almost a week of preparation, I am much more liberated, less stressed but still learning about group life and football. I’m taking the news well, psychologically it’s fine. We move forward, we continue. There are stages to go through, and the first selection is one of them. Today we are perhaps 1% stronger psychologically, and that will perhaps allow me to manage the next one even better.
What’s your best moment so far? And the most complicated?
The hazing was the most complicated, because I was super stressed. It was difficult, but it had to be done and I did it (smiles). I have the impression of chaining the beautiful memories otherwise. Obviously my entry against Côte d’Ivoire will remain engraved for life, but I do not put other moments below that one. There were so many beautiful moments that I want to keep them all.
When did you say to yourself that there was an opening in the France team?
There’s a coach, and he just put my name on a list. I work, I play every weekend, I have a string of performances with my club, good or not so good. If the coach (Didier Deschamps) called on me, it’s because he thinks I’m capable.
Does this whet your appetite a few months before the World Cup in Qatar?
I think we are all competitors and we all want to play in extraordinary competitions like this, otherwise we wouldn’t be here, but we mustn’t put the cart before the horse. We will have to continue to perform if I want to be in this group for the World Cup. I will do anything for it! And then there is a decision-maker, it is the coach.
Do you consider yourself lucky to be there when you are not playing in the European Cup with Lens, which is extremely rare for a French international?
Of course it’s a huge chance, I realize that, but I don’t want to tell myself that on the pretext that I don’t play in the European Cup, or that I haven’t played one, I can make more mistakes. If I haven’t played it yet, it’s because I still have something left to pick up. I have to get up to the level required by the France team. I learn and I am demanding with myself so that the difference, if there is one, is not seen.
Do you fear the sometimes difficult tomorrows after a first selection?
No, even if we don’t really know what world we’re going to be in afterwards. It may be a little different but do not apprehend I think.