We knew about it. Lucas Chevalier in front of the microphones is very far from commonplaces, ready-made sentences. This Tuesday morning, the Lille goalkeeper made his first appearance in front of the media in the A jersey and avoided almost nothing, giving many details about his first hours at Clairefontaine, his relationship with Mike Maignan or the security context surrounding the next meeting of the Blues against Israel.
Can you tell us about your first steps in Clairefontaine?
LUCAS CHEVALIER. It’s a total discovery like everything that’s happened for me since August. We only become aware of this when entering the castle. We discover a new world with prestigious teammates. I enjoy it, but I keep my feet on the ground.
There was also a reunion with Mike Maignan, with whom you have a very strong relationship…
Seeing Mike again made me very happy. It’s been three years since we last saw each other in real life. We used to talk to each other on FaceTime or by message. Putting the gloves back on with him will give me a bit of emotion. Afterwards, we’re here for work. He was an example, at 16, 17 years old. A goalkeeper of this stature, we look, our eyes are wide. We said to ourselves that we would end up as Blues. It’s a beautiful story.
Do you have any regrets about not participating in the Olympic Games this summer? Did that stop you from getting to Blue more quickly?
This is a bit difficult to answer. We were faced with a problem, because it was either the Champions League play-offs with Lille, or the France team. The president has decided (Editor’s note: Olivier Letang), and we understand. Today, with the remarkable performance of the Blues, it inevitably leaves a slight regret. Beyond the silver medal, they experienced an enriching adventure for everyone. We have to make choices in life. Would I have arrived sooner in the French team? I don’t know. Above all, I think that it is largely the C1 that makes me here.
Ultimately your ambition is to be number 1 among the Blues?
I walked up the stairs not even 24 hours ago. It’s good to have ambition, that’s what should fuel a top athlete. Especially when you join the French team. But here, we are clearly in a phase of adaptation, of acclimatization with the group. I have Brice Samba, very experienced, and Mike Maignan in front of me. We owe respect. It’s so strong to be there that I just want to enjoy it. We will then see, it is my performances in the club that will help me develop.
We will try to ignore the context
To climb the hierarchy of the Blues, will you have to leave Lille?
We belong to a very great football nation. All players play for major European clubs. Lille is one. But there are steps above that. It is certain that the number 1 place depends on a very good club. You have to have this lucidity.
Tell us who your models are?
I really liked Lloris. Mike, it’s different because there’s an affinity and I know him. There is no idolatry. I watch a lot what great goalkeepers do. All. The good solution is to take everywhere and make a mix. And above all, stay yourself, and act according to your qualities. I’m not going to do what Courtois knows how to do. I’ll take a little, but not all. To also create your personal identity as a guardian.
How do you understand the geopolitical context around the match against Israel?
We are aware of what is happening around us. We’re going to try to pretend it’s a normal match, but deep down it’s not really. We obviously have compassion for what is happening in the Middle East. But we remain football players, it’s our job. We will try to ignore the context. There is a sporting objective in this group.
Players, like Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, are calling on players to strike in protest against busy schedules. What do you think?
The schedule is busy. Me, frankly, I’m 23 years old. If I complain that there are too many matches, I don’t understand anything. I love football, I’m passionate about it. Lately, we have only played big matches. We earn a good living, we have so many advantages… Maybe a player who is 30 years old, with all the experience and physical problems, that can be exhausting. I’m not there yet. If I have to play every day, I play every day.
