Relaxed, precise and at ease in English, to the delight of local journalists. And this until Didier Deschamps blush. Kylian Mbappé appeared this Sunday for the second time in a row at a pre-match press conference. It was not necessarily the trend on the eve of the match against Ireland, but the PSG striker fulfilled his new role as captain with a smile.
In the amphitheater of the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Mbappé told his first, very quiet, with the armband on Friday against the Netherlands (4-0). Before praising the qualities of some of his partners, such as Adrien Rabiot and Randal Kolo Muani. An altruistic Mbappé, but always focused on his thirst for records, like his comments on Michel Platini.
Your teammates say you haven’t changed with these new responsibilities. Did you still feel a little different against the Netherlands?
KYLIAN MBAPPE. No, I was the same, I naturally played my new role. I think there was not much to say given the performance of the team. There is no need to speak to speak. I gave encouragement of course, so that we continue, but nothing more.
What type of striker does Randal Kolo Muani represent in this team? What does it allow you personally?
He is a striker who offers other game perspectives. He is capable of playing both placed and quick attacks, he is technically complete, and he has an impressive running volume. He offers a new arrow to our bow. I hope he scores now because it’s important to be rewarded with a goal. We will make sure tomorrow that is the case.
You explained on Thursday that you would not always be present in front of the press. Are you starting to like exercise?
No, it never bothered me but I’m here because the coach wanted me to be there. It’s part of my responsibilities.
How do you apprehend this match against Ireland? Did you see them play last week against Latvia in a friendly (3-2 win)?
We saw the first half. It was a friendly match, it’s always difficult to judge. It is a different team from the Netherlands in its system with three defenders behind. They are not only a very rough team, they also play football. We must not think that we will have the ball quietly and that we can develop our game until the difference is made.
How did your role as captain materialize this week? Have players turned to you more?
I said I’ll be the link but to be honest, that role hasn’t helped much yet. I saw a united group. I didn’t feel the need to intervene and that materialized with Friday’s game. The less work I have, the more it means that the team is doing well.
How do you consider the role of Adrien Rabiot?
He has come of age both footballing and in his life. We see someone calm, sure of his strength and what he is doing. He gives me a lot of confidence, I know when he is behind me that there is something solid. It is beneficial for him and for the France team. Because the talent, he always had it.
You quickly took the lead against the Netherlands. Will we have to wait for it to become difficult to find out where this generation can go?
We’re not going to wait. I honestly hope that we always make the matches easy. Afterwards, we will see what we have in the stomach in adversity, and what weapons we will have to respond. There will be times when it will be more difficult but I’m sure this team has the character to overcome these kinds of challenges.
Michel Platini has scored 41 goals for the national team. You are at 38. How are you approaching this new challenge?
It’s both an honor and the next target to shoot down. Michel Platini is an absolute legend, and it will remain so, whether I overtake him today or tomorrow. Here I am, I will continue my journey and it will go through Michel Platini.
What differentiates this new generation from the previous ones?
I don’t know, I don’t know all the generations. I would say that she is carefree, that she does not necessarily realize what is at stake. This is its strength. We always have this desire for greatness. It’s very important for a team that wants to aim for the heights.