In Aix-en-Provence
How did the group experience these three days off? Arthur Vincent. It did everyone a lot of good. I returned to Montpellier with my family. It was nice to have this time to cut things down a bit. It was an important moment. We were able to switch, think about something else and recharge our batteries with loved ones. It wasn’t a bad idea to cut it short to have a good time and come back determined.
What impact does Antoine Dupont’s injury have on the group? It’s obviously a big blow when a player gets injured. Plus, he’s our captain and the best player in the world. We think of him very much. But we have already faced the injury. It’s a close-knit group that has this experience.
In his absence, who takes leadership? Things happen naturally. There is not just one captain, but a group of leaders, each of whom knows their role, who have been doing their part for four years. There will be no big change. Everyone will take their responsibilities. But Antoine’s return to the group is important. He will be with us soon.
What will it contribute? Just his presence is important. Humanly, but also tactically. On the video, during training, he will have things to tell us, he will bring us his expertise.
Are you reassured by his possible return to the field? We don’t really know what will happen. He will return to the group soon, but we have no details at the moment. We are mainly focused on preparing for the match against Italy. Antoine is very well supported by his loved ones and health specialists. It is managed and his return will be done in the best possible way.
Comments collected at a press conference