Our special correspondent in Doha
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His feelings after qualifying for the final
“It's always a source of immense pride when you get the results you want.
There is only one stage left before Sunday.
It hasn't been easy, with a mix of quality, experience, a conquering spirit, even in difficult times.
I always feel the satisfaction and the pride compared to the players who are there.
Tonight (Wednesday) is for them.”
Make history on Sunday
“I'm not here for me, the most important thing is the France team.
We have the possibility of going for a new title.
It's already very good and I will do everything, with my staff, to make us even happier on Sunday.
His view on the semi-final and the screening for Sunday
"It's a balance of power, today a team that masters from start to finish, certainly Argentina did it against Croatia (Tuesday evening, 3-0) but it was less true in the rest of the competition, it's not easy… We don't claim to have everything under control, against England it was already not the case.
But I repeat, we will play a final with Argentina, two teams that were better than the other teams we met.
Whoever is the most decisive and makes the fewest mistakes will win the title on Sunday.
His view on Messi
"He's been really sparkling since the start of the competition.
Four years ago (in the round of 16), he played center forward, there he is more in a doublet, with real freedom, touches a lot of balls.
He's not one of the best players in the world for nothing.
If I have an anti-Messi plan?
We will make sure to limit its influence, as the Argentines will do with mine.
The construction is not the same as 4 years ago.”
The entry into play and the goal of Kolo Muani rather than Coman
“I'll tell you more than expected, before, Kingsley came into play (in previous matches in place of Dembelé), but he too felt restless in the afternoon.
So I chose 'Kolo' and through what he has done, he is also a good example for all the other players who have not been used and can be decisive.
The bench is important.
So much the better for Kolo, and especially for the group.
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His response to President Macron's message asking him to remain at the head of the selection
“(he smiles) If I have a message to convey to the president, I would not go through you and I would tell him directly in the locker room… But his message is very nice of him.”
Benzema's possible return for Sunday's final
"(he blows, annoyed) I'd rather not even answer you.
Next question.
»
Covid fears around the selection with Rabiot's withdrawal and the absence of Upamecano
“We are not anxious, the temperatures have dropped in Doha in recent days, you have also noticed it, the air conditioning is on full blast… These are feverish states and in relation to this we are all careful.
Players who have made a lot of effort, when organizations are in high demand, are more sensitive to what can be viral.
Without going into paranoia, we took precautions with Dayot (Upamecano), to whom it happened after England, and with Adrien (Rabiot).
Dayot was there (against Morocco), but not 100% available, because he had 3 complicated days.
He was still in a feverish state during the day.
I chose Konaté because I know he has the quality to be at this level.
Adrien was sick a little later, he was better this afternoon, but not enough, he stayed
hotel (during the match).
As we have 4 days (until the final), he should be available on Sunday.