France midfielder Eduardo Camavinga says any lingering rivalry between Les Bleus and the Belgian national team will primarily resonate with the Belgians rather than the dressing room. Speaking ahead of their UEFA Nations League fixture, the Real Madrid player addressed the sporting friction between the two neighbors while reacting to the absence of Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Camavinga Welcomes Courtois Absence in Nations League
The fixture carries significance within Europe’s top-tier competition, but Camavinga made no secret of his relief regarding the squad sheets. According to Het Nieuwsblad, the midfielder stated he was content that Thibaut Courtois would not feature for the Red Devils during the upcoming international clash.
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“I am very happy that Thibaut Courtois is not there. A very simple answer,” Camavinga told reporters. “It will be an important match for us, because Belgium remains a great football country.”
Addressing the Cross-Border Rivalry
Encounters between France and Belgium have produced drama. When questioned about whether that intensity still drives the players on the pitch, Camavinga dismissed the notion of acute player-led animosity.
“Whether the rivalry of recent years still plays a role? That will play more with the Belgians, I think,” Camavinga said with a smile.
Transitioning Under Zinedine Zidane
Beyond the immediate international test, Camavinga reflected on his progression and his current standing under the guidance of Zinedine Zidane. The young midfielder emphasized the importance of patience throughout his professional development.
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“It is important for me that I am now in Zinedine Zidane’s first selection,” Camavinga noted. “I am still young and in my career I have sometimes had to have patience.”
Recalling his first encounter with the manager, Camavinga pointed to a chance meeting away from the training pitch. “The first time I met him was a few years ago at Formula 1. That was special already, and now he is our coach,” the midfielder concluded.
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