He’s not the most talkative of the bunch. Not the one, either, who so far had been the most comfortable in the jersey of the France team. On Tuesday, for his first World Cup match, Dayot Upamecano nevertheless passed his passing exam. In a central hinge where he teamed up with Ibrahima Konaté, the defender of Bayern Munich, 24, probably signed during his 8th selection his best performance in the blue jersey during the success against Australia (4-1) . A rise in power that the native of Evreux, exiled in Germany from the age of 16, did not hesitate to mention this Wednesday at a press conference.
Beyond his goals, what is Olivier Giroud’s role on the pitch and in the group?
DAYOT UPAMECANO. He’s a great leader, he talks to us a lot, gives a lot of advice. I’m happy he scored yesterday and I’m sure he will score a lot more in this World Cup.
You played your first World Cup match against Australia. Did you have pressure?
No, I try not to pressure myself. I made sure to approach this meeting as a match like the others. We had to start well. That’s what we did. I am very happy with that and with my match yesterday.
Didn’t you have some apprehension?
On the pitch, I try not to put pressure on myself. It was my first World Cup game, it’s true. But I said to myself that many would like to be in my place and that I had to give everything.
Although this earned you some criticism, you never changed your risk taking in the raise…
It’s my game to play fast forward to try to create an imbalance. It’s a risk, but I try to take less. I hope to continue to perform well.
Your first performances in blue were accompanied by some doubts about your legitimacy in the France team. Looking back, how did you experience them?
In all professions we are criticized. Me, I try not to listen too much to the critics and to concentrate on my performances. But I like being told when I made a mistake, it allows me to try to improve. I’m listening, I always want more.
You are no longer the same as a year ago when you arrived at Bayern. In what area have you made the most progress?
I am someone who listens. I worked a lot on myself. Today, I feel very good whether at Bayern or in the France team. I try to adapt as much as possible. There the group responds present, but nothing is done, we have to keep the rhythm against Denmark and Tunisia.
What have you done to better manage your emotions in selection?
I did not have only difficult moments in the France team. During my first meeting, for example, I scored and we won (note: 4-2 in September 2020 against Croatia). I know that I haven’t always been successful in the selection, but the most important thing is what is happening now. I’m listening, I’m a worker and I hope to stay in this line. I look forward.
Raphaël Varane, did he talk to you before your first World Cup match?
He gives me a lot of advice, he is a very great defender. He is doing well, training and I hope he will return to the group. He is an important player for the group.
We saw you give voice on the pitch against Australia. Do you feel like a leader?
Yes ! I am a defender so I see the game in front of me. When someone doesn’t find a job, I have to tell them, that’s my job. I will continue to do so.
What difference does it make to play left central defender and right central defender?
When I was little, I told my coach that I could play in all positions. I did not change. Where the coach puts me, I will play hard to help my teammates.