With the injury and the withdrawal of his brother Lucas, Théo Hernandez took the vacant place and imposed himself match after match as an excellent solution for this position. The day after his assist for Kylian Mbappé’s first goal against Denmark (2-1), he came this Sunday to answer questions from the media at a press conference.
How do you define your role in the France team?
THEO HERNANDEZ. We have a very good connection with Adrien (Rabiot) and Kylian (Mbappé). It’s fun to play with them. They are very good players.
Your brother forfeits, are you also playing this World Cup for him?
It’s true that when the coach called me for the list, I was very happy. I was not at all happy after his injury. He has a very long wound. Since he left, I speak with him every day. He tells me to bring back the World Cup. We are two different players.
What did you think when he fell and you had to replace him against Australia?
It was not easy for me to see him on the ground. I did what I had to do: play the best I could to celebrate this victory for my brother.
Now the only left side among the 24 players present, do you want to play the third match against Tunisia?
I’m all alone behind and I like to play. I would like to play the next game but it’s up to the coach to decide.
Against big opponents, are you limited by Didier Deschamps? And how do you find yourself with Kylian Mbappé, tell us about your goal?
The coach tells me that I can’t ride all the time. It’s easier to play football with Kylian up front. We get along very well on the field. We find each other all the time, he is a great player. On the goal, when he gives me this ball, I know that he is behind and that he is going to the penalty spot. I gave it to him and he scored a nice goal.
Could you go faster than him?
(Smile) I don’t think I can go faster than him. I can try, I will have to try it in training but I don’t think I can.
Do you fear the danger of one-on-one with an attacker in a future encounter?
In a World Cup, there are very strong players and it is normal in football to be in difficulty sometimes. You can miss a duel, a pass, a penalty. It’s not serious.
Chinese fans call you “the super fast car”. What do you think ?
If it’s a Ferrari, it’s better! (laughs)
Are you the type to say to yourself: anything but Argentina in the next round?
We especially think of Wednesday’s match against Tunisia. We will see after who we have in the round of 16. Until then, we are working.
Do you prefer defensive or offensive duels?
Both. It’s true that I like the offensive phase. We are in a World Cup and the most important thing is to defend well.
Would you see yourself later in your career in another role, for example in midfield?
No way. I like my position. I’m very happy to be on the side.
