The vice-captain of the world champions spoke on Monday two days before the semi-final against Morocco on Wednesday.
Special Envoy to Doha
The common points between the group of 2018 and 2022
“I agree with Olivier’s comparison (Giroud, who compared the quarter against the English and the 2018 semi-final against Belgium). The game against England was a big test. We had to suffer and fight to win. I don’t really like to compare competitions, four years in football is an eternity but the level of competition is rising, with ever more intensity, it goes faster, tactically there are few errors. It will be up to us to be ready against Morocco. »
Objective of the semi-finals achieved
“We have already had a great competition, now the initial objective is to win. We know how difficult it is. Winning was always the goal when we started the competition. Being semi-final is not an easy thing and a real achievement. We are competitors and we only think about that. »
Morocco is not there by chance, it defends very well, it will be difficult.
Raphael Varane
How to avoid overconfidence in Morocco
“We have enough experience without the team not to fall into that trap. Morocco is not there by chance, it defends very well, it will be difficult. It’s up to us veteran players to prepare everyone for another battle. Above all, don’t take it easy. You have to give your all and fight to the end. A place in the final is earned. It’s a solid, united team, they are writing the history of Moroccan football. A collective force emerges. They have weapons offensively, whether on set pieces, counter-attacks or individual actions. We expect a lot of adversity. »
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If he is aware, by the good results of the Blues, of giving birth to a generation of spoiled children
“We’ll find out when it’s over. What we have been doing for several years is something big. It is certain that the latest results show that we are there. It’s not everything to have a good team, we saw big groups already eliminated, it’s difficult to realize what we are doing today, we remain focused on the next one match. We built our successes that way and we have to continue. »
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His relationship at 4 with Lloris, Griezmann and Giroud
“We know each other well, we have experience and experience, we try to transmit this to the group, to guide it in terms of state of mind, mentality. To transmit the messages of the coach, we know in which direction we must go because we know him well. We also try to convey our calm and serenity on the pitch in high-stakes matches. We are in our role, that’s what the coach expects of us. We divide the way of communicating and giving the best of ourselves. »
His report to Deschamps
“I started in 2013, but I was called up in 2012. With the coach, our relationship is changing, we know each other better and better. The expectations are always the same at the top level. He pays attention to detail. He knows who I am, knows my personality. I know perfectly well what I can bring to the group, we are constantly talking about what we can improve. It’s a chance for us players to have so much stability. It’s a chance for us. »
If the future of Deschamps is a subject with the Blues
“We don’t discuss it at all, we are focused on the competition and the next match. »
World Cup bonuses to the Blues
“As far as bonuses are concerned, everything is fixed in advance. We are also aware of being important for French football. We know the impact this has, not only in terms of images, but also financially and economically. But during the competition, it’s really secondary and not a motivating element. »
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