The two Thuram brothers, Marcus and Kephren, offered a moment of freshness to the media this Wednesday at Clairefontaine.
The two men landed with a smile but also a lot of seriousness in the Clairefontaine auditorium this Wednesday. After Jean-Clair Todibo and Brice Samba, two other newcomers to the France team for this March rally, Kephren Thuram was accompanied by his big brother, Marcus. As with the Hernandez siblings, Lucas (absent this week) and Theo, who presented themselves as a duo in front of the media, the sons of Lilian Thuram did the same. Between smile, chambering and seriousness. For a brilliantly successful first joint passage. And 20 minutes of fun for the audience.
Their look at the video of their dad, Lilian, when they arrived at Clairefontaine on Monday
Kephren: “Any dad would have made a little video before letting his children go to Clairefontaine. It was to mark the occasion, that he had a memory in his phone.
Marcus: “It was a moment for the three of us and for him it was a great pride and he wanted to immortalize this moment. »
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Marcus’ look at Kephren
“I learned about his selection at the same time as him. To be honest, I was even happier than for my first selection. My brother is serious, works a lot and he impresses me in every game and only improves. I hope he will continue. »
Marcus and Kephren Thuram at a press conference at Clairefontaine. FRANCK FIFE / AFP
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Their dream of playing together in the selection, like their father
Kephren: “It has always been a dream to come with my brother to Clairefontaine, but I never imagined it. Playing with him, in the garden or at the highest level, is exceptional. Today it is happening. “.
Marcus: “(teasing) I had imagined him, he lacks imagination I think (smile). During my first selection, his desire was also to come to EDF, now we are both here, it is a huge source of pride. »
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If their father’s career could have been a weight in their journey
Marcus: “There is no competition between us and our father, or between brothers. Maybe he (Kephren) is doing everything to catch up with his big brother, but it’s always in love and good humor. We spoof each other when we score or not, well it’s mainly me who scores. »
Kephren: “Just like Marcus (laughs). »
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The place of their dad in their career
Marcus: “He has the place of a dad, except that he knows a little football (smile). His words have a very important weight and value in our eyes. We have very rich discussions on everyday life. It’s an incredible chance to have him by my side. On my future choices (he is out of contract next June), he will have a major place. »
Kephren Thuram FRANCK FIFE / AFP
If the Thuram sons are sensitive to social issues like their father
Marcus: ” Yes of course. We know our father’s attachment to the causes close to his heart in today’s society. 2/3 years ago, when I put my knee to the ground, as a young black man, these are causes that are close to our hearts too. We hope to set a good example. »
If they dream of playing together in a club
Kephren (smile then embarrassed before speaking)
Marcus: “We both have different careers, and it will be a pleasure to play together but it’s not an obsession. If we make the same decisions (in the future), so much the better, but it’s not a particular obsession. »
Kephren: “It’s perfect, he responds very well. When I don’t know what to answer, I let him do it, that’s fine. »
The role of Marcus (9 selections) in the France team
Marcus: “I haven’t taken on another dimension, I try to be the same person, smiling, chatting with everyone. Everyone is important, new and old, that’s the strength of this team. We saw it with Randal (Kolo Muani) at the World Cup who was called up after an injury, returned as a leader (1 goal against Morocco in the semi-finals and a valuable contribution in the final). Everyone has their small share of responsibility, that’s how the group is stronger. (His preferred position) I had the chance to play in the center and on the side, I have no preference, I will play where the coach tells me. »
If the chambering took place between the Thuram and Hernandez siblings
Marcus: “Theo is jealous because his brother (Lucas, injured) is not there. He gave no advice, we are used to that. I saw him discuss with his brother on the last rallies, today, I do it with my brother, I am very happy. »
Their view of the Mbappé generation, without complex
Marcus: “We have confidence in ourselves, we don’t ask unnecessary questions and on the pitch we give the maximum. Kolo Muani’s return to the World Cup final is significant, as we have seen, he should not be on the list, and he is close to changing the World Cup final (action at the end of the game). We are reckless, and we are not afraid of much. »
The weight of representing Gualeloupe
Kephren: “Frankly, we are committed to representing Guadeloupe, we have a lot of family there. Every time I enter the field I think of them, I play for them and my name. I want to best represent the name of Thuram and Guadeloupe. »
Marcus: “It’s a huge responsibility, our grandmother comes from Guadeloupe and the other from Martinique, we are representatives of the DOM-TOMs, we want to be worthy of that. Everything we do, we keep Guadeloupe and Martinique in our minds. »
Their crossed portrait
Marcus: “I just met him (laughs). He is smiling, serious, focused and determined. He knows what he wants in life. He manages to climb the ladder, he is only 21 years old, it is only the beginning. »
Kephren: “He is jovial, serious, confident in himself, in his qualities, I know he knows he can reach even higher. He works every day for it. »
Doubts about Mbappé’s ability to federate as captain
Marcus: “It makes sense that he was named captain given what he did in the France team. He is charismatic on and off the pitch. He can pull everyone up and of course he can be a unifying captain. »