the Blues locker room debunks rumors of a bad atmosphere

The mood in the French team’s locker room is not at its best. This is what emerges from the various press articles between the mixed results since the start of Euro 2024, substitutes frustrated by their little playing time, and Didier Deschamps’ more authoritarian speech than usual, which would be harder to get through to some. The historic Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann are not happy with their performances and their fate. There is necessarily better to approach the rest of the competition.

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Belgium is the one that will be in the round of 16 on Monday (6pm) in a gloomy atmosphere. In the face of this, some players like William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano have already broken their silence to deny these rumours. But the two defenders have the advantage of being starters in central defence. Unlike others, they have played a lot since the start of the competition. They have not missed a single minute, unlike their main competitor, Ibrahima Konaté. This time, it was his turn to speak out on this burning issue.

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Konate: “a 100% Ibou would not be on the bench”

According to him, it is normal for a competitor to demand playing time but that does not fuel a feeling of frustration. “I came with a lot of hope of starting. That’s part of the hazards. I haven’t played much lately (at Liverpool, editor’s note). I lacked rhythm, the coach felt it too. We have discussed. I know my place. I’m readyhe says before continuing. There is this frustration but I am very happy to be in the French team. A 100% Ibou would not be on the bench but we have to be together. I have an important role to play with the substitutes who can be frustrated not to play.”

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According to the Reds player, competition helps you move forward. “William, like Dayot, I think highly of them. They both deserve to play. I told them to take everything they can take. Competition is healthy. When I get back to 100%, it’s going to be tough (laughs)”, plays down the eloquent Konaté. He even makes it a separate role within the group. “I am a special case. Others came knowing they would be replacements. Everyone is happy to be there. I read that there were disappointments but that’s normal. We experience fabulous moments every day and we must continue like this.”

Konate: “If I lack rhythm compared to the others, why should I deserve to play?”

Also present at the press conference, Eduardo Camavinga also expressed his disappointment, he who is not always a starter at Real Madrid either. “It’s not a positive assessmenthe decides. All players love to play, but football has taught me to be patient. My time will come.” The Blues know the rules of the game. The coach’s choices will always prevail. Out of a group of 25 players, only 11 of them will start the next match, and between 5 and 6 players depending on the context will enter. The notion of group is essential.

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“I went to see the coach to express my dissatisfaction but I completely understand his reasons. If I lack rhythm compared to the others, why should I deserve to play? I told him that I was there for him, for everyone, the cooks, the security guys. My situation is a little different but I remain focused, very happy to be here and determined” continues Konaté, indicating in passing that he does not deliver any messages to the other replacements. His recipe for unwinding? “I play Play Station to let off steam, and talk with the group. An international competition is only every two years.” It’s also a chance to play in a Euro.