The coach of the France team, serene and relaxed, appeared in front of the media on Saturday, on the eve of the World Cup final against Argentina.
Special Envoy to Doha
Between the virus and the preparation for the final, his general feeling
“I am often alone in the world (laughs). There are imponderables, situations and the key word remains to adapt. We have done everything so far to be there and appear in the World Cup final against Argentina. Lionel Scaloni (his Argentinian counterpart) also had to manage different situations, after the defeat in the first match against Saudi Arabia (1-2). I have no worries, no stress and the important thing in this preparation is to keep calm. A World Cup final, there is the match of course, but the management of the context is special. When there is a final, there is an additional title to look for. I know that the Argentines, the people, and Messi, maybe some French people, would like to be crowned. But we will do everything to win.”
Support from Argentinian fans
“I am aware that Argentina have very strong popular support, the majority of the stadium will be Argentinian on Sunday. Even if there will also be French supporters (6,000 are expected). I expect a festive atmosphere, the Argentine people are a people of passion, fully behind their team, it gives off the party, it’s a good thing that there is such an atmosphere for this match. But our opponents are not in the stands, they will be on the pitch. We have to focus on that.”
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His approach to the 2022 final
“The context of a final is always special, with a different emotional side depending on the players. 2018 (in Russia) went well but inevitably, when it’s the first final for a player, there are fewer benchmarks. Which doesn’t mean it’s going to be bad. There is a management of emotions which is necessarily important. In relation to this, my speech and the exchanges that I can have with all the players are not identical with each of them.
His view of Argentina
“There are 7 players present in 2018 who are here today, it’s really not the same team. It is useless to compare. On the other hand, the 6 matches they played, with different systems and players, is something that serves us. We have 3 observers who have seen everything, this allows us to have precise information. Even if Argentina can do something different tomorrow, so can we. You have to be ready for all situations. »
The question of his future in the France team
“The France team is the most beautiful thing that has happened to me. Already, as a player. And I have the privilege of knowing that as a coach. It is the passion, the very high level. I am very, very happy in this function. The most important was never me, but the France team. She is above everything, I am at her service, and still here for tomorrow’s game. But I’m not the most important. What I have only in the head, it is the match of tomorrow .
Mbappé’s media silence
“He speaks when he has to speak (he is the only one, with Pavard, Areola and Mandanda, not to have had a press conference during the World Cup with the Blues) and he said it, he needs peace and serenity to focus on the field. Even before the World Cup and from the first day that he is with us, he has a great state of mind. I have no desire to disturb his peace.”
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The invitation to Karim Benzema for the World Cup final
“Are you spreading the word? If I don’t answer, people will say that I’m pissed off (smile). Players were injured before (the final), Karim (Benzema) is one of them, Lucas (Hernandez) got injured too and since then I have 24 players to manage. To ask the question, vis-à-vis these players, is to say the least clumsy or even a little more. I don’t take care of the invitations of former players (some have to travel to Doha for the final), injuries, I don’t know. »