We knew it. Lucas Chevalier in front of the microphones is very far from clichés and clichés. On Tuesday morning, the Lille goalkeeper made his first appearance in front of the media in the A shirt and avoided almost nothing, providing many details about his first hours at Clairefontaine, his relationship with Mike Maignan or the security context around the Blues’ next match against Israel.
Can you tell us about your first steps in Clairefontaine?
LUCAS KNIGHT. It’s a total discovery, like everything that’s happened to me since August. We realize this only when entering the castle. We discover a new world with prestigious teammates. I have fun, but I keep my feet on the ground.
There was also a meeting with Mike Maignan, with whom you have a very strong relationship…
Seeing Mike again made me very happy. It’s been three years since we last saw each other in real life. We spoke to each other on FaceTime or via text. Putting the gloves back on with him will give me a little thrill. Afterwards we are here for work. He was an example, at 16, 17 years old. A goalkeeper of this stature, we look at him, our eyes are wide open. We told ourselves we were going to be Blues. It’s a beautiful story.
Do you have any regrets about not attending the Olympic Games this summer? Did this stop you from getting to Blue faster?
It’s a little difficult to answer. We found ourselves faced with a problem, because either it was the Champions League play-offs with Lille, or France. The president has decided (Editor’s note: Olivier Letang) and we understand it. Today, with the remarkable performance of the Azzurri, it inevitably leaves a slight regret. Beyond the silver medal, they experienced an enriching adventure for everyone. We have to make choices in life. Would I have arrived first in the French team? I do not know. Above all, I think it’s largely the C1 that got me here.
Ultimately, is your ambition to be the Blues’ number 1?
I climbed the stairs not even 24 hours ago. It’s good to have ambition, that’s what should fuel a top athlete. Especially when you join the French team. But here we are clearly in a phase of adaptation, of acclimatization with the group. In front of me I have Brice Samba, very experienced, and Mike Maignan. We must respect. It’s so cool to be there that I just want to enjoy it. We’ll see then, it’s the performances in the club that will help me grow.
We will try to ignore the context
Will you have to leave Lille to climb the Blues hierarchy?
We belong to a great football nation. All players play for major European clubs. Lille is one. But there are higher steps. It is certain that first place depends on an excellent club. You need to have this clarity.
Tell us who your role models are?
I really liked Lloris. Mike, it’s different because there’s an affinity and I know him. There is no idolatry. I watch a lot of what great goalkeepers do. All. The right solution is to take it everywhere and mix it up. And above all, stay yourself and act according to your qualities. I won’t do what Courtois can do. I take some, but not all. To also create your personal identity as a guardian.
How do you interpret the geopolitical context around the match against Israel?
We are aware of what is happening around us. We’ll try to pretend it’s a normal match, but deep down it really isn’t. We obviously have compassion for what is happening in the Middle East. But we remain footballers, it’s our job. We will try to ignore the context. There is a sporting focus in this group.
Players, such as Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, are calling on players to go on strike to protest against busy schedules. What do you think?
The program is packed. I, frankly, am 23 years old. If I complain that there are too many games I don’t understand anything. I love football, I’m passionate about it. Lately we have only played important games. We earn good money, we have many advantages… Maybe a 30-year-old player, with all the experience and physical problems, can be exhausting. I’m not there yet. If I have to play every day, I play every day.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Lucas Chevalier
Time.news Editor: Good morning, Lucas! It’s great to have you here. Your transition into the French national team has been quite a journey. Can you share what it was like stepping into Clairefontaine for the first time?
Lucas Chevalier: Good morning! It was an incredible experience, to be honest. Walking into the castle felt like entering a whole new world. I was surrounded by prestigious teammates, and although it was overwhelming, I had a lot of fun. At the same time, I made sure to keep my feet on the ground and focus on what lies ahead.
Time.news Editor: That sounds both exciting and grounding. You mentioned having a strong relationship with Mike Maignan. How did it feel to reunite with him after three years?
Lucas Chevalier: Seeing Mike again brought me a lot of joy. We’ve kept in touch through FaceTime and messages, but nothing beats being in the same training environment. It gave me a little thrill to put my gloves back on with him. He was an inspiration for me when we were younger, and now, working alongside him in the national team feels surreal—like a beautiful story coming full circle.
Time.news Editor: It’s heartwarming to hear about that bond. Looking back, do you have any regrets about not participating in the Olympic Games this summer? Do you think that could have accelerated your ascent to the national team?
Lucas Chevalier: That’s a tough question. The decision was not easy, especially with the commitments to Lille and the Champions League. The president had to make a call, and we understood it. Seeing the success of the team at the Olympics does bring a touch of regret, but I believe that my performances in the Champions League were critical in getting me this opportunity. We all have to make choices in life.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely, and those choices shape our paths. Now that you’re with the national squad, is your ambition to become the number one goalkeeper for Les Bleus?
Lucas Chevalier: I’ve just stepped into this role, and it’s important to have ambition—it’s what drives a top athlete. However, right now, I’m focusing on adapting to the team and learning from experienced players like Mike and Brice Samba. I’m really enjoying this journey and want to put in the work to grow. My focus is on performing well at my club, as that will help me progress.
Time.news Editor: It’s a great mindset to have! Speaking of growth, do you believe you would need to leave Lille to climb the ranking in the national team hierarchy?
Lucas Chevalier: We come from a country with a rich football heritage, and many players are at top clubs across Europe. Lille is a great club, but to reach the top tier, one might need to move to a club with broader exposure. It’s essential to keep that clarity in mind as I plan my future.
Time.news Editor: Wise words, Lucas. Before we wrap up, can you tell us who your role models are in football?
Lucas Chevalier: Definitely! Hugo Lloris has been a significant figure for me. His leadership and performances have always inspired me. With Mike, it’s a bit different because we share a connection, but I’ve always admired his work ethic and skills. I learn a lot from both of them, but there’s no idolatry—it’s about taking inspiration and learning from their experiences.
Time.news Editor: Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Lucas. It’s clear that you have a bright future ahead in football. We look forward to seeing you continue to grow and hopefully secure that number one spot in the national team!
Lucas Chevalier: Thank you! It was a pleasure talking to you. I’m excited for what’s to come!