Special envoy to Nice
The relationship with his captain Mbappé: “The relationship is very good between the two of us and very good for the collective. By being captain he has this responsibility. It doesn’t weigh on him, it happened naturally. He enjoys it and with Antoine (Griezmann) his vice-captain, representing the group on and off the pitch, it’s a role that he appreciates, because he has this ability to achieve unanimity. It’s legit. This is going very well. (if he has influence on his choices) are you serious with this question? He doesn’t even come to it (on this subject), it has no place. Discuss together, yes, but about its positioning. There is no particular request in this sense.”
Also read: Hazing, homework, head to head with Deschamps… Warren Zaire-Emery’s crazy week with the Blues
Zaire-Emery’s week and his possible start: “His week was very lively outside. Quiet in the group. Warren is calm, he can do nothing about the media environment where there is a lot of talk about him. The main thing is that he stays as he is, focused on the field, natural. In the match, like the 23, he will be able to start. And if he doesn’t start, he will be international (meaning he will come into play) tomorrow (Saturday, against Gibraltar).”
On the repositioning of Thuram in 9: “He has already had to play in the center. There, he’s there all the time. In Italy, he is asked to score goals. Today, he’s on target, he’s having fun. He also has the qualities to take up space. He plays in a specific system that suits him. Today it is more efficient. He’s a young player, he’s making great progress. He is fulfilled, full of confidence. So much the better. If he has to be shifted, he can too.”
Camavinga’s package: “I’m going to have to replace him. He had to play. A player will replace him. I have no plans to change systems. He can play in other systems at Real Madrid. It’s a shame for him. I don’t need confirmation for himself if the last internship could have gone better for him. But that doesn’t call into question what he’s capable of doing.”
Possible overconfidence before Gibraltar: “The players know that this match counts for the list of 23. With the competition there is… It’s normal. They have every interest in performing well in the playing time they have. Even if it’s not a passing exam. The wealth of players I have at my disposal, I don’t need to emphasize that. In their competitive spirit, they know what they have to do.”
On supporting young people: “When you become international, it’s a study. There are tomorrows. It is not the player who can change, but the view of others, opponents, partners, the club, the media. The requirements are higher. When it’s good, it can turn into very good. But when it’s not so good…There’s also the entourage. In Warren’s case, he has very significant media exposure. This requires confirmation. If I called him, it’s not because of fashion, it’s because I think he has all the potential.”
If he already has his list of 23 in mind: “I don’t ask myself the question, I didn’t take a photo. I know very well that today’s photo may not look like the one in May. I collect as much information as possible. Some know they will be there, I’m not going to give the names… But look with the World Cup (in Qatar, the Blues had many withdrawals), with all the injured we would have arrived there in our underwear. We are qualified for the Euro, but we have to be seeded and continue to win.
Deschamps on the arrival of Khephren Thuram: “He came a little while ago. It was more complicated afterwards. Especially because of his injury. I continue to follow him with his club. He may have a down period, like all players. Lately he’s been a little better. He has this ability to break lines. In the last match, he was used a little lower. It’s interesting for him. Doing it from time to time means having to do it every time. The requirements are higher. But he’s the same player as when he came.”
Expected turnover among goalkeepers: “It’s possible. There may be turnover. But tomorrow (Saturday), it will be Mike Maignan.
If he agrees with Papin on the fact that Ligue 1 attackers don’t work enough: “I’m not going fishing for information. I knew Jean-Pierre. He spent a lot of time in front of goal, sometimes the whole training (laughs). When you play every three-four days, you don’t have many training sessions. We try to make sure we repeat the scales at the end of the sessions. I’m not saying they work less. They have a window to do this work.”
Comments collected at a press conference