Two days before their Nations League match against Israel, scheduled for this Thursday at the Stade de France (8:45 p.m.), Dayot Upamecano and Lucas Chevalier spoke at a press conference. The opportunity for the two players from the France team to explain how they approach this particular poster, which will take place in a tense geopolitical context surrounding the situation in the Middle East.
A very special baptism. For his first with the French team, Lucas Chevalier is preparing to experience a particularly memorable moment. Even if he should not be lined up at the Stade de France, the Lille goalkeeper is part of the group of the France team which is preparing to challenge Israel this Thursday in the League of Nations (8:45 p.m.). The meeting will take place under close surveillance, with reinforced security, due to the tense geopolitical context surrounding the situation in the Middle East. What disrupt the preparation of the Blues?
“We are obviously aware of what is happening around,” replied the Losc goalkeeper this Tuesday at a press conference.
“We're going to try to act as if it's a normal match, but deep down it's not really. We obviously have compassion for what's happening in the Middle East. But we remain football players, “It’s our job. We’re going to try to ignore it. There’s a sporting objective in this group, but we’re going to try to do the best we can.”
“I can understand people who don’t want to come”
This heavy atmosphere should lead to largely empty stands. Around 20,000 spectators are expected to attend this France-Israel, or only a quarter of the capacity of the Stade de France (80,000 seats). This would be the lowest attendance in the history of the Blues in the Dionysian enclosure.
“I can understand why people don't want to come,” commented Dayot Upamecano, Bayern Munich defender.
“It's their choice. We will continue, we will fight on the pitch and win this match. Afterwards, I can understand why there are some fans who do not want to come to the stadium during this match…” Should we relocate this match because of the risk of incidents? “I don't know at all. I'm just here to play,” Upamecano recalled. “Since I was little I have loved playing football. Yesterday was November 11. I love peace, I hope that one day we will find it again, in every country. No matter your religion or 'where you come from, we want peace.'
