Special Envoy to Doha
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His first impressions of Qatar
“We were pleasantly, not surprised because we knew that the FFF put us in the best condition, but happy to be here.
The facilities are beautiful.
Everything is done to focus on the field.
Having supporters tonight (in training) is good, we train in a stadium with 12,000 spectators, these are good conditions.
Compared to Euro 2021, yes we will have more air (the Blues had complained about the constraints linked to the Covid during the last Euro).
(On the Indian supporters present at the Hôtel des Bleus when they arrived) We were very pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere, it was late, it was dinner time.
We received a great welcome in the hotel lobby, it reminded me of Russia, where the people were very warm.
I didn't know that the Indians supported the France team, it's a weight knowing that they are 1 billion (smile).
On the heat, it's stifling but better than in July here.
We will have to get used to it, but we have the chance to play our first match in the evening.
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Olivier Giroud facing the media this Thursday in Doha FRANCK FIFE / AFP
His view on his 3rd World Cup
“It's always a dream to play in a World Cup.
It's my third.
I'm proud to be here, to be part of this adventure and we're not going to claim to be the favourite, even if deep down inside we have our own idea.
We will do everything to bring the cup home.
I scored goals in 2016, in 2014, it's true that scoring in the top competition is always important.
I want to be decisive for the team.
I will be 200% to help the team and do whatever it takes on the pitch.
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World Cup: the 26 Blues in pictures
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His role as a substitute for the Blues
“You have to be professional and prepare as if you were going to start the match.
Be ready to go back at any time and have the energy when you come into play. The more we advance in the competition, the more the bodies will be put to the test and the substitutes will have to be decisive.
(If he will start on Tuesday because of Karim Benzema's physical problem) We did not do a collective set-up, we arrived yesterday (Wednesday) evening, with stretching, a little balneotherapy, we don't know anything of the team that will start next week, see no sign (of his presence at the press conference).
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His leadership with the absence of Pogba
“Paul will be greatly missed, but I am thinking of “NG” (Kanté), Presnel (Kimpembe), Mike (Maignan), and the latest, “Christo” Nkunku.
I wanted to tell them that we were with them and that we were going to do everything to make them proud.
Polo takes up a lot of space in the selection, through his personality, his charisma, his leadership and other young leaders will emerge in the team and I too will play my role as big brother, for the youngest, I want to be available. for them, speaking up and being behind the team.
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Olivier Giroud FRANCK FIFE / AFP
His fitness
"The best form I don't know, but if you look at some of my goals in the past, I was already doing 'zlataneries', I like acrobatic goals.
It is a good time.
To be so decisive at 36, to feel good, it's a gift, I hope to continue like that.
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If Qatar is its last world
" No limits !
I set myself no limits, that's why I don't want to announce anything now.
We will see after (the World Cup).
The determination and my motivation to stay at the highest level, to have fun are intact.
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If he felt the tide turn favorably in his favor for the World Cup
“To go there you have to be decisive and important in your club, that was the case with Milan, that's what gave me a lot of energy.
I felt very good during the last rally, I did the job.
In selection, you have to be present when the coach calls on you.
On the praises of Kylian (during the last gathering), it's always nice to hear praise from his partners, it's good for the future.
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