Lucas Da Cunha prepares for the upcoming match against Turkey with the France national team, speaking calmly ahead of the fixture after a heavy Champions League win with Como.
Shifting Roles Under Deschamps and Fabregas
Da Cunha adjusts to a deeper midfield assignment for his national side compared to his club duties in Italy. At Como under Cesc Fabregas, he plays further up the pitch, but with France, he has been asked to operate as a central sentinel in front of the defense. “Here, they ask me to be a sentinel, in front of the defense,” Da Cunha told Le Figaro. “It’s still a midfield position, so there are similarities.”
This tactical evolution has yielded four selections for the midfielder, who recently featured in a victory over Lens in the UEFA Champions League. Da Cunha said that his tactical education in Italy has accelerated his reading of the game, particularly through work that left Lens unable to respond tactically on the pitch.
De retour à l’entraînement à 𝑩𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒖𝒙 💪 pic.twitter.com/hpkfhLr5X8
Da Cunha said that playing with a team of this caliber is exceptional. “C’est un club exceptionnel,” Lucas Da Cunha said.
Da Cunha discusses tactical risks and the Italy defeat
The French midfield’s expansive style has occasionally left the back line exposed, notably during a recent defeat against Italy where multiple midfielders pushed high into the opponent’s box before conceding on a counter-attack. Da Cunha acknowledged the inherent risks of a possession-heavy philosophy.
“Normally, as a sentinel, it’s up to me to stay a bit more with the defenders,” Da Cunha said. “On that action, I think it’s me who recovers the ball on a set strategy, then we project ourselves forward.”
Da Cunha explained the tactical approach during that match, noting that the opposing team sat deep. “Les Italiens étaient tous bas, donc il a fallu aller les chercher, et derrière, on a pris ce contre,” Lucas Da Cunha said.
Captain Mbappe and Squad Confidence
Da Cunha confirmed that Mbappe remains fully committed to the group and has maintained an active leadership role both on and off the pitch.
“Kylian is completely with us,” Da Cunha said. “He is available like everyone else and we feel him with us. As I said, we are all in confidence. Nobody has a problem, we are all together and ready to face this match.”
Questions about Da Cunha's role and Como's recent match
What position does Lucas Da Cunha play for Como?
At Como under Cesc Fabregas, Da Cunha plays slightly higher up the pitch as an advanced midfielder, contrasting with his deeper sentinel role for the France national team.
How did Da Cunha assess his recent time with the France squad?
Da Cunha expressed satisfaction with his four selections and the increased playing time he has received during his second international gathering.
What was the score of Como’s recent Champions League match against Lens?
Como defeated Lens 9-1 in the UEFA Champions League, a match Da Cunha highlighted as an example of strong tactical execution under Fabregas.
Related reading
/data/photo/2026/03/23/69c03be5d764d.png)