"Tchouaméni plays like a grown-up": the great oral of the imperturbable Fofana with the Blues

If I asked him to advertise our tandem?

No, he did it himself (smiles).

For the pair, we know each other by heart because we played two years together non-stop.

What we can bring to the France team, only the coach knows.

We will try not to disappoint him (if he holds).

There are players in selection… The requirement?

If we get along well, that's it.

He knows that I am demanding with me and he too, it was immediately hooked and the complementarity comes from there.

(his view of Tchouameni and his development since his transfer to Real last summer) He plays like a great man (smile), he is very happy to be there, he has a hardworking mentality, he is demanding, he likes Madrid.

As a young newcomer, we come to discover this great competition.

The first World Cup is always important, whether you are 23 or 30 years old.

But as a competitor, I will do everything to earn my place in the eleven, like the other 25 players, but always with respect for my teammates.

It's impressive what he does because you never know if he's going to go left-handed or right-handed.

We don't know where to take him, we don't know what to do.

If we come too fast, he eliminates us with a hook.

I watch him from afar, like a spectator.

What he can bring to the team, only Monsieur Deschamps knows.

Ousmane is very driven, he makes newcomers feel very comfortable.

We are all very happy to have him during this competition.

It's a fairly compact team.

They come back very quickly in transition and do not take it easy in the duels.

They are 38 or 39th in the FIFA rankings.

We must not take this team lightly, they gave us problems in 2018, we will have to rectify the situation

Unfortunately, I didn't have time to write down the emotions I felt.

Upon our arrival.

I don't have time to say if I'm happy or proud, the competition starts in two days for us (Tuesday in fact), we have to put on the overalls.

Perhaps you, but me, it's been more than a year, since I've been in Monaco, that I've been working to be here, not to be at the World Cup but to approach the 'French team.

It was done just before the competition, I proved myself, the coach validated.

There is definitely a lot more excitement.

We all leave our respective championships immediately afterwards.

I assure you, with the pounds I lost, there is a good preparation.

For the heat, I assure you that it is really hot.

It will be for both teams and you will feel it in the stands too.

You are right to ask yourself these questions.

There are two major absentees who have plenty of experience.

But when they started, they didn't have any.

There is a beginning for everything !

Maybe when you see me again in 8 or 10 years, you'll be happy to see me, not surprised (smile).

It comes from my past but also from the path taken.

Since I was 18, things have been going very quickly, I have learned to manage my emotions, ignore them and move on.

It's a club that has values ​​and principles, and I'm committed to sticking to them.

I could have scored a hat-trick, at least one returned (laughs).

I met expectations well, I was present in both areas and that's what I remember.

Without disrespecting anyone, no, but there are players I liked, like (Paul) Pogba.

It's always pleasant to see him play, it's a medium that has updated our position by doing the box to box.

Now everyone plays that way.

Imitate Tchouameni?

Each player has their own path.

Afterwards, it's a good trajectory, I often congratulated him.

Every player aspires to a high level and Real is one of them, but there are other clubs in Europe… Close to this level?

I am close to starting at AS Monaco for the moment (smile).

Everyone dreams of playing with a Ballon d'Or.

Unfortunately for me, I haven't yet been able to wear the same jersey as him in an official match.

I hope to take my foot.

It must be easy to play with this type of player.

Eduardo Camavinga?

It is a pure talent, which must be pampered, shaped, it is very promising in the future.

The absence of executives hurts us all, afterwards there are selected and unselected, I could not have been called up even under these conditions... Afterwards, the coach will make his choices, but if we are there, it is because we feel capable of playing in this team.

N'Golo Kante?

It's not easy to replace it.

He has abilities that no player can replicate, even getting close to his level.

Afterwards, we are six midfielders with other qualities, we will have to rely on them.

I told them not to read (what can be said about me), but I read to pass the time but it passes me by.

Sometimes I like it, sometimes not, but as long as you're not the coach, it's fine (smile).