What feeling dominates for this comeback of the Blues on Saturday night in Sweden?
Robert Pirès:
It's a very special, chaotic return to school and no one knows what will come of it.
The first concerned is "DD" who had to deal with the various states of freshness of his troops.
There are also some absent (Pogba, Matuidi, Aouar, Mandanda, Coman, Pavard, Tolisso…).
This is the unknown.
Does playing behind closed doors really make a difference for players?
They're starting to get broken in, so I don't think so.
In their respective championships, they all know that, it's not pleasant but they have to live with it.
I don't think it handicaps them that much.
They are armed to overcome this configuration.
After that, it can allow certain characters to approach the meeting with less pressure, more relaxation because this blue jersey is sometimes difficult to wear.
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How do you find Didier Deschamps at the start of this unique comeback?
I feel as usual, passionate, focused with one goal in mind: to win the Euro next summer (June 11-July 11, 2021).
He wants to achieve the double as with us twenty years ago.
Most of the executives are there, young people are knocking on the door, the dynamic is good even if the last match was ten months ago (victory in Albania in November 2019).
We can expect a new game system (3-5-2) and see new players, this trip to Sweden is not without interest.
You say he only thinks of the World Cup-Euro double…
(he cuts) But it's Didier all spat.
When you play against him in padel or beach volleyball, he wants to beat you up.
He rooms you, destabilizes you and only thinks of winning.
In selection it is exactly the same.
He is always behind the guys, stimulates them, refuses that they become gentrified.
He hasn't changed one iota.
For me, I crossed two men of this type.
I call them "dogs" in a good way.
It's him and Patrick Vieira.
They are real captains and leaders, with them you go everywhere.
"Rabiot continues the good performances with Juventus, it is logical that he comes back. After, some compare his situation with that of Karim Benzema, it has nothing to do. We must not mix everything."
He created a surprise by summoning Adrien Rabiot. How do you see his management of the Turinese?
This feedback is very important.
The two men spoke to each other this week, they told each other their truth and now we are waiting to see what Adrien Rabiot will give on the ground.
I find the management excellent.
Rabiot continues the great performances with Juventus, it is logical that he returns.
Afterwards, some compare his situation with that of Karim Benzema, it has nothing to do.
Do not mix everything up.
Didier does not give gifts, but when you are good, you are called up for the France team.
You mentioned it, young people like Camavinga and Upamecano point the tip of their nose in selection…
It indicates a huge reservoir that we have in the France team.
We must once again underline the French formation.
Camavinga is only 17 years old and already everyone talks about him as a phenomenon.
I think Didier will manage it well because the season promises to be long but this boy impresses me with his detachment, his ability to repeat the efforts or his versatility in the midfield.
Looks like he can play anywhere in the midfield.
He is provocative, dribbler, thoughtful.
This is the start of a great adventure for him and for the Blues.
Personally, you are starting a new role as a consultant for M6 during the Blues matches…
(cheerful) It's great.
M6 contacted me to comment on the Blues, I told them that I was flattered but that I was commenting on the Premier League on Canal +.
They saw with them and a week later it was tied up.
I thought Canal was going to refuse, but no.
I can't complain and it gets worse like back to school (smile).
"I'm sure DD will turn me on nicely, I know the boy. He's a lodger."
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How would you define the Robert Pirès style?
I have to be natural, spontaneous and that I understand for the greatest number what is happening on the ground.
The private life of the players does not interest me and I leave the criticisms to the journalists (smile).
There will inevitably be a little chauvinism on my part and I know that I will not please everyone.
I prepared for it.
Did you exchange messages with Didier Deschamps (the interview was carried out on Friday afternoon)?
I'm going to text it on Friday because I don't want to disturb him on Saturday before the game.
I'm sure he's going to turn me on nicely, I know the boy.
He's a lodger.
Another of your former partners also comments on the Blues on TF1, Bixente Lizarazu…
We also exchanged messages and he lodged me.
He told me not to change anything and called me a bastard because I took his place also on RTL (he is also a radio consultant, Lizarazu now works on Radio France), just as I had done at Euro 2000 (Pirès replaced Lizarazu in the final against Italy).
It's fair game.
I can't wait to start and I would inevitably have a little pang in my heart.
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