Since the start of Euro 2024, he has had to settle for bits of matches. But like the other players of the France team, Eduardo Camavinga did not fully convince after entering the field. The Madrilenian spoke this Saturday at a press conference. The midfielder returned to the difficulties of the Blues and the display against Belgium.
What did Didier Deschamps say to you after the match against Poland (1-1), did it shake you?
EDUARDO CAMAVINGA: He didn’t necessarily shake us. He told us that the most important thing was what was going to happen, that we had to focus on the future.
How do you judge your status as a substitute since the start of the Euro?
This is not a positive outcome. Every player likes to play, not playing a lot doesn’t make me happy. But with football, I learned to be patient. My time will come. The most important thing is to be ready at all times. During the World Cup, I didn’t play much either, but I knew how to be ready and help my teammates in the final.
How to prepare when starting on the bench?
Honestly? It’s not necessarily something that can be prepared. During training, you have to stay focused. Before matches, I do the same thing, whether I’m a starter or not. I concentrate, I listen to my music, I do my pre-warm-up. The most important thing is to be in a good mental state, then the legs will follow.
Do you often talk to Didier Deschamps about your role?
We haven’t necessarily talked about it a lot. But he is close to the players. If necessary, he will tell me my truths. At the start of the gathering he came to talk to me about my role. But we’re not always going to talk about that, otherwise it will become toxic.
Why is France a great team and do you have confidence after this sluggish first round?
Because of the history of the French team and the number of great players in the team. The first round doesn’t worry me. It’s at the end of the ball that we pay the musicians.
Could you play left-back again and would you like that?
I still don’t enjoy this position, that hasn’t changed. Now, if I have to play left-back, I can do it. But it’s not a position I like.
Do you receive different instructions from Didier Deschamps and Carlo Ancelotti?
What I always say is that the two coaches are similar. They are very human and give us a lot of freedom on the pitch. I wouldn’t necessarily say that something changes depending on whether I’m playing for the national team or my club.
Even though he is not part of the Belgian group, have you sent a message to Thibaut Courtois, your partner at Real Madrid?
Not yet. But I gave an interview earlier, and I was told to send a message to Eden (Hazard). So I’ll start with him. Then I’ll send one to Thibaut. We’ll see what they tell me.
Are you happy that Thibaut Courtois had a falling out with his coach and is not taking part in the Euro?
I’m glad Thibaut had a fight with the coach… (He stops.) I don’t know if they had a fight. (The journalist answers that they did.) Oh yeah? What did they think? Him not playing is a good thing for us. He’s a great goalkeeper. He stops everything!
Is Belgium less scary after its difficult start to the tournament?
Belgium remains a great nation, with great players. The past is the past. Mentally, they will change. This team may change, but they can surprise us at any time. I think it will be a tough match.
How do you defend against a winger as lively as Jeremy Doku? And does he dribble better than Ousmane Dembele?
Jeremy, I played with him in Rennes. Defending against him is difficult, he’s very fast. Who dribbles best between him and Ousmane? They are different dribbles. Jeremy’s dribbles are aggressive, explosive. Ousmane is more into finesse. I wouldn’t say one or the other, they are both great dribblers.
What memories do you have of the semi-final between France and Belgium in 2018?
I was with my family, with friends too. The first memory I have is Samuel Umtiti’s goal, and his celebration. I also remember Eden’s (Hazard) great match, it left a mark on me.
How is the approach different between the groups and the rest of the competition?
I don’t really know how to explain it, but I think the difference is in the head. The focus is different. In groups, you tell yourself that you have other matches to play. Whereas from the eighth, if you lose, it’s over. It’s a different approach. Mentally, something changes.
