When the game ends, that’s where it comes into play. Consultant for TF1 since the 2014 World Cup, Youri Djorkaeff brings his expertise to the front page during this Euro. The role pleases the former striker of the France team, world and European champion. This Monday, he will still be in the company of Denis Brogniart, Nathalie Iannetta and another former PSG, Ludovic Giuly, to debrief this round of 16 between France and Switzerland. The former player tells us how he sees his function.
What do you like about this job as a consultant?
YOURI DJORKAEFF. I love experiencing these events as an analyst. I like how TF1 covers the Blues, with kindness and addressing everyone. The idea is to be technical, but not too much. I don’t feel like I’m playing a game, I stay natural. I don’t come to be noticed or to score points. And then, I’m with my family, I know everyone here.
As a former member of the France team, do we refuse to say certain things, for fear of hurting or annoying current players?
Yes, but that’s not my role in all cases. From my experience at the highest level, I bring a touch that a journalist would not have. He can use certain words, say things that I do not allow myself. I want to make people understand why so and so is calling, when the other is supposed to do it. If a player is not good, I try to explain why, see if it is the fault of his positioning, for example. I am more into the analysis of the action. If there are ten drawers and one who is good, I will prefer to talk about the good. This is my character, I am like that.
Have you ever been asked to criticize harshly so that your words will make noise?
Never. If I had been asked to do this, I wouldn’t be here.
Do you get feedback from players sometimes?
Yes, often. I am entitled to: Thank you, it was good, it was super interesting or Do you really think that or that? Afterwards, the guys don’t pick up their phones to call me right away, it happens more naturally when we cross paths. I try to see beyond what is visible at first glance. Hope some like.
Would you be comfortable in other types of shows?
If there are people on a set and I can just talk for a minute, I’m not interested. I am on TF1 because I know the people with whom I am going to work well and I know that they will give me time to discuss.
Do you prefer to be on stage after the meeting than to comment on it live?
The cabin is great on big matches (laughs). I like the set, because you have perspective. You can say things, dissect. When you’re live, the viewer wants live, so a short explanation. On set, he comes so that you give him material. Afterwards, I find that what Bixente and Grégoire do is very professional. They have extraordinary chemistry. We see the same things, but we can support what they said during the match.
Have you ever had nothing to say after a game?
Ah yes (laughs). A League of Nations match with England. I really wondered what we were going to be able to say. There, you row … But fortunately, that rarely happens.
And conversely, have you ever had almost too much to tell?
The World Cup final in 2018, with the victory of the Blues against Croatia. There are so many points to discuss around the meeting, but a guest arrives, you switch back to live, you come back to the stage, you go over there… It was incredible.
