Brilliant since the start of the World Cup, the midfielder of Juventus answered questions from journalists on Wednesday, three days away from England.
Special Envoy to Doha
His relationship with Deschamps : «We have always had good relations, even in 2018 before the World Cup. After that, there were two years without contact at all, before I came back in 2020. When I came back, we talked straight away, it went very well. I didn’t know what to expect at the start, there was a very good relationship right away, and from selection to selection, this relationship has really improved. He understands me better, knows my personality better. Today, we are much closer.»
Evolution of Deschamps : «It has also evolved, over time, it has its little habits. He is more serene, discusses certain subjects more easily with the current generation. It’s easier to trade with us. He is very open, very relaxed, even during a World Cup. In 2016, I had another eye, I didn’t look at certain details. Now I really see that he is open, with an ease in human relations, it’s important and it plays on osmosis and on the fact that everyone gets along.»
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His presence in the media : «It’s not me who chooses, I’ll stop you right away (laughs). We all have to go through it, well almost (four players have so far escaped the exercise of the press conference, including Kylian Mbappé, but also Benjamin Pavard and the two substitute goalkeepers, Steve Mandanda and Alphonse Areola, Ed). When I do it, it’s with pleasure, it’s good. It’s not my favorite exercise, but when things are going well, we also want to hear from the players, I understand that. There is an improvement in the relationship between you and me.»
His view of England : «It’s a team that has the same characteristics as us, with attacking full-backs, forward-looking midfielders, a good attack. I’m not sure we should tell ourselves that we should do less. They will also be very careful because we can put them in difficulty. It will be an open match, with a lot of potential on both sides, a desire to move forward. What can make the difference are the set pieces, they are very good in this sector, we have weapons too, but we will have to be vigilant and not make mistakes like against Denmark. We are not inferior to the English, the midfield battle will be important.»
I am probably living the best period in my career.
Adrien Rabiot
If he was as fulfilled as today : «I am going through a very good period footballing speaking. For several months at Juventus and at this World Cup. It also comes with the fact that I have grown, matured in my head and my football. I am probably living the best period in my career. I have more maturity in all areas of the game, in concentration, with less weak time, I try to bring offensively, try to be decisive, I have the qualities to do so. I believe in myself more. All of this makes me the complete player.»
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His physical metamorphosis after his move to Juventus : «The physical is essential, so that I can use all my potential I must be physically well. This is what I have worked for a lot at Juventus for 4 seasons. I quickly felt this change. It allows me to be active for 90 minutes, not to slow down for a whole game. This is what made me evolve, before I had certain holes. This fact of being very well physically also helps me technically and I can make the most of my qualities.»
His take on the positive reviews since the start of the World Cup: «I try to stay focused on my football, the competition and not spread myself too thin. We know that it can go quickly, on one side or the other, I have often experienced it. Of course, it’s nice to be recognized, but there was a time when I suffered a lot of criticism and I was not beaten down. Conversely, I’m not going to ignite, but you have to admit that it’s nice.»
I am quite free, I compensate behind Kylian, but I can project myself, do offensive and defensive races.
Adrien Rabiot
If the debates on its positioning have polluted its progress : «We talked about it too much. As soon as I stopped asking myself these questions, I felt better on the pitch. Currently, I am not confined to a midfield role, I am quite free, I compensate behind Kylian, but I can project myself, do offensive and defensive races. The coach has confidence in me and sees that I am capable of doing it over 90 minutes. Being more free on the pitch and in my head allows me to express myself better.»
What touches him the most between the praise of the coach, the fans, the journalists : «Those of journalists, because you are quite difficult to convince (smile). I have often been criticized, sometimes wrongly in my opinion. From that side, it’s a great recognition. I have not always agreed on what I heard, the quality of my performances. We all have different opinions. I’m objective with myself, but sometimes it was harsh. I try to get everyone to agree on that.»
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If an experience in England interests him after Juventus : «My experience at 13 (at Manchester City’s pre-training, editor’s note) was very good, even if I didn’t do a year there. I felt very good in England, I really liked the atmosphere around football. It is something other than France or Italy. I have always said that I would like to play in England in my career, will it be after Juventus (he is out of contract in 2024)? I do not know. But I have this goal of playing in the Premier League. I don’t have a favorite team in England, but it’s above all the level of the championship that attracts me, the way of playing which corresponds more to my qualities.»
If addiction to Mbappé can be a problem : «We take that as a positive. He is focused on his goal, we do our best to put him in the best conditions. There is no addiction, he is a player with very high potential. He accelerates, makes decisive passes, it is our main weapon. 80/90% of chances come on his own if other players can make a difference. But Kylian is our weapon, we must not deprive ourselves of it.»
Statements taken at a press conference
