“Playing with a mask is absolute horror”

After your broken nose, did you ever think that your Euro was over?

At the time, I didn’t think about much, I didn’t really know what was happening to me. I didn’t feel like my nose was broken. In the locker room, I saw myself in the mirror, it was a bad idea (smile). When you see everyone getting excited, you know it’s serious. I didn’t sleep much, it was a complicated time.

Why is the French team not scoring and what can the 4-4-2 diamond bring?

We don’t make the chances we create! The most important thing, from my experience in front of goal, is that it must not stay in the guys’ heads. The most important thing is to create chances. It was problematic in the group stage, that’s clear. It’s another competition that’s starting. We’ll have to make our chances tomorrow.

For the 4-4-2 diamond, you will have to ask the coach. He is better able to talk to you about it…

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“We were not in a high-level group stage. »

There are few big nations, including France, in form at this Euro. Will they wake up in the last 16?

We hope that the French will wake up! We must not make excuses. We were not in a high-level group stage. We will have to raise our level of play against a good team. We no longer have a choice. I do not sense any doubt in the group. Not finishing first woke us up, there was an awareness.

In a duel with Robert Lewandowski, you were hit in the nose, which provoked an epidermal reaction from you. Are you afraid that the Belgian defense will target you at that level?

When you play with a broken nose, you become a target. Afterwards, (Robert) Lewandowski didn’t do it on purpose. I knew what I was getting into, there are no surprises. I could be led to receive blows that will reawaken the pain. I have to control my reactions because there are children watching. But what is certain is that I am ready to give everything for this jersey.

Are you going to follow the results of the first round of legislative elections?

We’ll wait for the results at 8pm, the estimates. As soon as I’m done here, I’ll plug in. It’s not over, there will still be a second round on July 7th.

Does the French team need the pressure of tough matches to reveal itself?

It’s a new competition, we have no choice. You have to put on your best face otherwise you go home. We have the group and the staff to go far in the competition.

What is this Belgian team worth?

It’s a good team that lost important players. But she has young players who are hungry and who want to make history for their country.

“If I have to score with my head, I’ll score it, my nose is already broken”

Do you think that after your penalty scored against Poland, you started your Euro as a scorer?

I always want to score goals. But the most important thing is that the team scores. Vaccinated against headers? I haven’t made one since I broke my nose. But if I have to score with a header, I’ll put it in, my nose is already broken (smile).

Why did you change your masks so often?

Playing with a mask is an absolute horror. Every time, there was something wrong. It limits vision, sweat gets stuck. I felt like I was in 3D and a VIP guest at the Euro! But I have to thank the mask because it’s thanks to it that I can play.

Why was there no joint statement from the players of the French team regarding the political situation in France?

My fracture put a big brake on things, the results didn’t help. We’ll have to do something quickly, but certain events have disrupted our action.

What can your association with Marcus Thuram at the forefront bring?

It’s not up to him to adapt. It’s up to me to do it, I have the ability to do it, to put the attackers in the best possible position. I have to watch his movements. I know him well, I’m going to adjust to what he does.