“No favorites in Belgium – France”
Bakayoko had already said it in the mixed zone after Belgium – Ukraine and he repeated it: “There is no favorite in this match against France. We both have qualities and faults. Both teams fear each other. What do I think of France so far? Honestly, I don’t like I only saw one match, against the Netherlands. The teams were equal. France has world-class players in all positions, but so do we.
“We will play our own game”
How to eliminate France? By playing realistically, as the French did in 2018 against the Devils? Bakayoko: “By playing our own game. If we play well as a team as we have done so far, we can beat France. Should we play the counter-attack? Above all, we will follow the instructions given to us by the coach. There is no longer any comparison possible with Belgium which lost twice against France (at the World Cup and in the semi-final of the Nations League). There are new players, a new coach and our vision of football has changed. And besides, I remember seeing this match in 2018, when I was 15 years old. Belgium should have won.”
“No, I don’t want to be Mbappé”
In this same mixed zone, Bakayoko had revealed that Mbappé is not a youth idol. He answered the same way to a similar question, if he would like to be Mbappé for a day.No. I am Johan Bakayoko and I want to stay that way. I am very happy like this.” On the other hand, he confirms that Mbappé is a terrible player. “He is very complete, whether as a winger or as a striker. He masters all the aspects of a good striker.”
“I do not agree with the criticism of Romelu”
With two goals in three games, Belgium seems to have an offensive problem. And so, Romelu Lukaku is singled out. Bakayoko: “I don’t agree with the criticism of Romelu. He scored three goals which were narrowly canceled out. For the same price, he would have scored three times. I’m not worried about him. He has often been in this situation, he always comes out stronger.” At the same time, Bakayoko took the side of the defense. “We concede very little. We don’t emphasize that enough. We may not have big names like other defenses, but we also have extraordinary qualities.”
“The atmosphere is good, whatever you think”
The penultimate training took place from start to finish behind closed doors. Bakayoko only wanted to lift a small corner of the veil regarding what happened. “JI can tell you that the atmosphere is very good within the group. We laugh a lot, contrary to what people think.” And did the Devils work on penalty kicks?No, but Loïs kicked a penalty. If he converted it? You have to ask him the question (Laughs).”
“I didn’t come to be on the bench”
Bakayoko had started four times during the qualifying campaign. Here, he had to make do with two substitute appearances. “Of course I’m disappointed. Every player wants to play. I didn’t come here to stay on the bench. But frustrated? No. The coach made his choices and we qualified, so I must be happy. J “I have my qualities, but as long as we win, I don’t have much to say.”
“PSG? I’m the one who decided to stay at PSV!”
And what about his transfer? At each transfer window, he is cited by PSG. “But I never had the intention of leaving PSV. It was the best environment to continue my career.” Currently, Arsenal are in pole position to transfer him. Bakayoko: “Honestly, at this Euro, I’m focusing more on my chances of being able to play than on a possible transfer. Everyone says for me that I’m going to leave PSV, but I’ll think about it at the right time. Of course clubs are following me, that’s normal.”
“The whistles were not necessary”
And then, it was obviously necessary to mention the clash between the players and the Belgian public at the end of the match against Ukraine.”Personally, I think it was unnecessary (to whistle the team). Every game is difficult. I know the teams in our group are not big names like France. But – as Kevin De Bruyne said – if we had chased that little goal and conceded a goal on the counterattack, I wouldn’t even be here to talk to you.”
