Tchouameni and the Blues delighted after their demonstration against the Netherlands

Aurélien Tchouameni (midfielder of the France team, after the 4-0 victory against the Netherlands ) : «We are happy, we did the job. We had to put on a great performance in front of our audience, who had been waiting for us for quite a few weeks. So we’re happy, we responded to the coach’s instructions. It’s a perfect evening. We scored goals and we were present offensively. Defensively, we were solid. With this penalty saved by Mike (Maignan), we have a “clean sheet”. I think everyone is happy. (…) It was a quiet week. We were all happy to meet again, to be together after this superb adventure we had in Qatar. We had a great week. We worked well, but it had to be punctuated by a victory. That’s what we did. Now we have two days to recover to do well, even better against Ireland.

The behavior of Mbappé captain? As per usual ! He spoke on the ground to galvanize the troops a little. We know he is a leader. There are others, like Antoine (Griezmann). But the armband didn’t change him. In everyday life, it is always the same. We have a great group and we are all happy to be together. (his assist for Mbappé) Honestly, Randal (Kolo Muani) is positioned and I see Kylian’s call. So I said to myself to put the ball in this area, either Randal takes it or he leaves it for Kylian. At the end, it’s a nice goal, so that’s cool. Ireland? It will be a tough game against a great team. We know that there will be a good atmosphere, the public will push them. But it is up to us to respond in the duels, the quality of what we will do offensively to leave with a good result. (…) We have certainties, we showed great things at the World Cup. Now, a new adventure begins for us with this qualification phase (for Euro 2024). What we did at the World Cup is good. Now, it will also have to be shown in the (next) matches. Today, we are sending a good message, but there are others to pass on. We have an important match on Monday against Ireland.»

Read alsoThe notes of the Blues against the Netherlands: Mbappé inspired and inspiring captain, essential Griezmann

Khephren Thuram (midfielder of the Blues) : «First selection? Great emotions because it was my first selection. I’m lucky to go home (in the 76th minute, editor’s note), we were already leading in the score… It’s a perfect evening. I wanted to make the most of it, try to bring what I am able to bring, but above all, to take advantage of this magical moment. Chambered at the end of the match? Yes a lot ! I put a crushed strike, people laughed, it was funny (smile). I recovered the ball, I saw that there was space so I continued, I hit, but it was crushed unfortunately… (…) I did not put myself pressure. I was already very happy to be in the group. I returned. I don’t think you needed to put any extra pressure on yourself. The coach (Deschamps) told me to go back, do what I know how to do and enjoy. First week ? Not too much of a surprise actually. The band got me pretty good welcomed. They are very nice to me, it’s going pretty well, I try to learn from each player and I hope it will continue like this. A word from his brother Marcus Thuram before entering? He has confidence in me, he knows what I’m capable of doing so he didn’t slip me a particular word.»

The most important thing is the state of mind, in addition to the three points.

Eduardo Camavinga

Eduardo Camavinga (Blues midfielder) : «We will remember the victory, the fact of not conceding a goal and the state of mind of this French team. Perfect evening? It’s a very good evening, we scored a lot of goals, we didn’t concede. And the most important thing is the state of mind, in addition to the three points. Changes from Qatar? Not very much. It was almost the same group. Mbappé’s words before the match? To kill the opponent, to be dangerous from the first minutes. Kolo Muani? It brings a lot of mobility, depth. He also knows how to keep the ball and he defends, it helps. He had a very good game and I hope he will score very soon. Griezmann this week? As per usual ! No one has changed. Afterwards, you think it has changed vis-à-vis the armband but it’s still the same… A breath of fresh air? The passion? Is that the word you’re looking for (laughs)? Yes, for sure a young person will play differently from an experienced person. It has changed a bit though.»

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