“The objective is not yet completely achieved, but we are only two matches away.
It was a very good performance by the French team. Tonight, they qualified for the quarter-finals and it was deserved because, even if we missed a few more chances up front, the team was extremely solid. They dominated their subject and, once again, the players responded. I am very satisfied tonight, but we know our objectives, we still have matches to win. I am also very happy for Didier Deschamps, because he showed once again that he knew how to coach his team with the return of Randal (Kolo Muani). He managed to ensure that we broke through the Belgian barrier.
Adrien Rabiot was just saying that, no matter how, even if we are annoying, we qualify and that is the main thing. What do you think?
I don’t get into that debate. I think that the supporters I see want the French team to go far in this tournament. I think that the French want to smile and that this team brings them moments of communion, of coming together. We need it and for that, I want the French team to go as far as possible. July 14 is our national holiday. I would like to see the French team participating in this national holiday in the best possible way.
You mentioned Didier Deschamps’ coaching. Does this result also guarantee that he will see out his contract?
Once again, I never got into that debate. Everyone is focused on achieving their objectives. It’s a very tough competition, no nation has it easy. The English, by 30 seconds, almost got out of the tournament. The Germans also had a hard time getting rid of the Danes. So we see that Italy has already gone home, just like Croatia, who were one of the big teams in the last World Cup. Everything is very, very tight, it’s down to very small details. But the French team will be there for the quarter-finals. We’re certainly going to have another very big match. But I have confidence in this team, its staff and Didier Deschamps to continue racking up victories.
Kylian Mbappé said in a press conference that he was again in favor of a joint statement by the French team on the legislative elections. What do you think of this position?
I have said everything on this subject. I have stated the position of the federation, it is clear, between the players who have their freedom of expression that I have guaranteed them for a long time, and the institution of the French team, which has the duty of neutrality that I have recalled. The results of the first round of the elections do not change anything. There is no change, I am still on the same position.
