before France-Belgium, the French replacements want to put their frustration aside

In three matches, only 13 of the 25 players in the French team have been given a starting role and seven of them have not even played a single minute.

Two days before their round of 16 match against Belgium, the French team players continued their preparation in Paderborn on Saturday, June 29. Most of the questions at the daily press conference revolved around Franco-Belgian relations and especially how the substitutes have been experiencing their status since the start of the competition. It must be said that the two players who appeared before the media were Ibrahima Konaté (0 minutes of play in three matches) and Eduardo Camavinga (48 minutes).

“Everyone is happy to be there but we must not forget that we are footballers and competitors.”, supported Konaté, very comfortable in public speaking. The Liverpool defender himself admits that he is a “particular case”having lost his starting place just before the Euro. “I came with a lot of expectations into this competition, but that’s part of the hazards of football. I haven’t played lately and I lacked rhythm. The coach felt it too. (…) I went to see him to express my dissatisfaction, while being respectful, but showing him that I want to play, that I was a soldier for him.”he explained.

The relegation did not dampen Konaté’s joviality, who was full of praise for the pair of starting central defenders, Dayot Upamecano and especially William Saliba, who nevertheless took his place. “He’s someone I think highly of. With the season he’s had with Arsenal, of course he deserves this playing time. I told him to take everything he can get. It’s healthy competition, but when Ibou (his nickname) comes back at 100%, it’s going to be tough.”he said, laughing.

The same goes for Eduardo Camavinga, frustrated but ready to put his feelings aside despite his limited playing time. “VSIt’s not a positive assessment. Every player likes to play and it’s not necessarily fun, but football has taught me to be patient. You have to be ready at all times.”declared the Real Madrid midfielder, who does not want to talk about it “every day” with the coach to avoid creating an atmosphere “toxic”.

“I can either be someone who brings a lot of positivity, or have my head down, be angry and create a negative atmosphere. My role is not to show that side. [Pour gérer cette frustration]I play the Playstation from time to time, I let off steam and I keep this joy of living.”

Ibrahima Konate

at a press conference

Their tone was a bit warmer than that of William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano two days earlier, who had also denied any problem with the atmosphere within the group. “I can confirm that we are still friends, that hasn’t changed in eight days. We all have the same goal and it’s not because some people don’t start that they will disrupt the group.”assured the first. The second did not appreciate being asked if Didier Deschamps was more closed than usual: “I don’t see what the answer is going to give you. He’s like usual, he’s giving instructions.”

Simple misunderstanding or admission of a real problem? In any case, the 25 players of the French team continued to prepare for their decisive match against Belgium, Monday at 6:00 p.m. On Saturday, everyone was present at training, with a slight downside for Ibrahima Konaté, who was content with a bit of cycling because he was rested due to a blow received to the left knee. A final training session is planned, once again in Paderborn, on Sunday morning, then the whole team will head to Düsseldorf where Didier Deschamps will appear at a press conference accompanied by a player at the end of the day.