“In what state of mind did you find your group? Are all Globalists available?
They will be available for tomorrow’s match (Wednesday, against Strasbourg) yes. Everyone arrived on time. On a case-by-case management, some were able to have twelve days off. They train normally. On an individualized. (Achraf) Hakimi played all the matches of this World Cup, he was the best full-back in the world. Like Kylian (Mbappé), he played great matches, he is the competition’s top scorer. We spoke with him during the competition, he recommended joining us fairly quickly. This does not mean that it will not have recovery ranges in the future.
How do you view the celebrations of the new world champions and the chambering of Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez with regard to Kylian Mbappé? Do you think this can leave traces in the relationship between Mbappé and Lionel Messi?
I’m not going to comment on how we celebrate, that belongs to the Argentinians. I don’t have to deal with the caretaker case. I saw Kylian and Leo hold hands after the final. There is a lot of respect between the two players. There was an exemplary attitude from Kylian, I saw Kylian congratulate Leo and the coach (Lionel Scaloni). It’s not Leo who chambered, we have to leave Leo out of it. There’s no reason to mix everything up, I don’t have to comment on the goalkeeper’s reaction. Kylian had a very good attitude. He showed a lot of class by going to congratulate Leo. It’s good for the club and the team.
Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi, before the Argentina-France final. (N. Luttiau/The Team)
Is there a risk for Kylian Mbappé and Achraf Hakimi to return so soon?
I do not think so. The approach is collective. There was the desire for Hakimi and Mbappé to come back and play the two games. As long as they are physically and mentally well, we had no interest in depriving ourselves of them. It will be necessary to see the management to be able to ventilate their calendar (in January). On a reflection on that.
“I try with my staff to set up different activities, to find a third organization with a different activity. With a very very busy schedule, on a reflection on that. »
In what state did you find Neymar? Does he still suffer from his ankle?
Neymar, we saw his injury (against Serbia, November 24). Behind, he was able to chain two games (eighth and quarter-final of Brazil at the World Cup). He was able to get treatment, he had a cut for twelve days. He had his entire medical team around him. On December 22, he worked indoors, then he worked as normal. On a mental level, he really wants to play. It’s a good sign.
Neymar and Kylian Mbappé, in training on Tuesday. (B. Papon/The Team)
Do you confirm your desire to test a third system?
I try with my staff to set up different animations, to find a third organization with a different animation. With a very very busy schedule, on a reflection on that. It’s still too early to work on it. I have ideas in mind. This third organization must compensate for possible absences on offensive or defensive elements.
Can Renato Sanches return to his best level for this second half of the season?
I’m convinced. He had a bruised muscle. It will not be available tomorrow. He will resume training at the end of the week. He did a very good preparation, he is very “fit”, very sharp. I have no doubt that Renato can bring all his qualities. He showed me during this preparation that he was not very far from his best level.
What type of opposition do you expect against Strasbourg?
Difficult. It’s a team that will play for its survival in the second game and that has had time to prepare well. They are looking for another organization. Do not rely on their current ranking (19th, 11 points). We start from scratch. We had a very good start to the season, because the players were serious, demanding, humble. We will have to have all that tomorrow at kick-off.