Christopher Nkunku, named best player in the German championship at the end of the season which saw his club, RB Leipzig finish in 4th place, was at a press conference this Sunday in Clairefontaine.
The Blues of Didier Deschamps have gathered there since May 28 to prepare for their four League of Nations matches, including the first against Denmark, on June 3, at the Stade de France.
Nkunku is aiming for a third cap, after a start against Ivory Coast and a five-minute start against South Africa in March.
Given its length and timing, is it a defining gathering?
CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU.
Every gathering is important.
In March, I came for my first selection, it was a stage.
I am in continuity.
Having playing time is the best thing that can happen to me.
I hope to prepare myself well.
What do you want to improve compared to your first selection against Côte d'Ivoire (2-1), on March 25?
It was a fairly tight match.
Côte d'Ivoire has put a lot of respondent.
I was excited at the idea of wearing the national jersey for the first time.
I need to bring more calm, more serenity.
I have to rely on my qualities.
First of all, I have to find my automatisms. I discover the group.
I have to adapt.
I will work to be as influential as in the club.
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Are you a pure attacker or does getting back into the game bother you at all?
I trained as a midfielder and developed my attacking skills.
But I like to move around, to take up space.
I rely on that, and I have this freedom to do it in club as in selection.
"It's flattering to have the biggest clubs interested in me"
Four games at this time of the season, is that too much?
There is this desire to cut when the season ends.
She is not finished.
When we are there, we prepare.
We are competitors, we want to play the big games, it gives value.
It's pleasant.
Clearing your head is afterwards, on vacation.
Is it possible for you to transfer this summer?
It's flattering to have the biggest clubs interested in me.
It is also flattering that my club is doing everything to keep me.
There is the selection at the moment.
I am not focused on the transfer window, which is not yet open.
This is not my present objective.
Your name is often associated with
PSG
.
Would a return appeal to you?
This is my home, my heart club.
I don't close any doors.
Everything is possible in football.
Is it frustrating for a Leipzig player to think that he does not have the means to shake up Bayern Munich, champions for the past ten seasons in Germany?
Frustrating no.
In recent years, it is a young club.
We won our first title a week ago.
It is a young club that continues to grow.
You have to take inspiration from Bayern to win the German championship one day.
The fact of being a substitute in the France team, for the moment, does it change your preparation?
It doesn't change much.
You have to perform well in every game.
I think like that in Leipzig, so also in the France team.
I just want to perform and succeed.