“You qualified for the Euro after only six matches, after the World Cup did you expect such an easy journey?
We had to start again after a huge disappointment, with players who quit, absences… The fact that most of them were with us during this World Cup made the group grow. We must not trivialize it. We qualified but it was never easy. To be able to do it two days from the end, even if there is room for improvement, I am very proud to see what this group has achieved. You have to appreciate it. We will be qualified and first.
Fifteenth final phase, shouldn’t this be trivialized?
There were qualifications that were not obvious too. It’s the high level, there are requirements. We are among the best, we don’t see ourselves as the best. You have to enjoy this journey.
What are you expecting your group to do now?
Individually, I make sure to correct certain things. It all depends on the associations. They are used to the highest level. Some had already taken over in the World Cup and they wanted to seek this qualification this (Friday) evening. Afterwards, there is always this possibility of improving. There is another objective now, we have to come in the top five. It’s not enough to be first. It will take more than 18 points.
“He’s the captain, the leader, he’s not alone but he’s important”
The performance was successful apart from this goal, do you regret having changed this right side?
I have no regrets because Jonathan had some tightness in his thigh. He made a lot of effort. Successful performance is the result we want. In this first half, when we lost the ball, we gave them opportunities. But we weren’t put under too much pressure either.
Kylian Mbappé scores two goals, does his performance reassure you in his role as captain?
He assumes this role, without taking everything. It’s not just what’s visible on the ground. It has to be realized on the pitch but he had legs even if he came from a difficult period. He is the captain, the leader, he is not alone but he is important. »
