EXCLUSIVE | Mikaël Silvestre on Arsenal’s title chances: ‘This should be the year.’ | OneFootball

Mikaël Silvestre sat down with Get French Football News to discuss his former teams, Manchester United and Arsenal’s season so far, as well as the future of the France national team. 

How would you assess Manchester United’s start to the season?

It’s positive. Despite some blips and flashbacks from last season with their performances. But yeah, an improvement when the four or five new signings are on the pitch all together, it’s a different proposition. It’s an improvement from last season, especially the end, when United wobbled across the finish line. 

Are there signs that Manchester United are starting to see the best of Leny Yoro?

He’s been playing more regularly. No injuries this year. He’s young, so the best is yet to come for him. He’s still learning about the game, learning about the opposition, and the players he’s facing. And lately, he’s been in a difficult situation only because of his position. It’s got nothing to do with his qualities. If they work on that, it’s not a big deal. I’m confident he’ll continue his progress and develop as a strong defender. 

What do they need to do to get the best out of him?

Work on his position, his decision-making. A little bit of tactical work on the pitch. I’m sure they’re doing it already. It won’t take much time. It’s a small adjustment, but a precise one that can prevent him from getting in these situations. The rest of his game, like his recovery, the blocks, the tackles, the interceptions. He’s winning headers. His numbers are good. Just get rid of these imperfections that would give him a boost for sure. 

Arsenal remain the team to beat. Is this the year they end their Premier League title drought? 

They’ve got to be there until the end and continue. They’ve lost titles during the Christmas period and even later, so they need to remain consistent. This should be the year, Liverpool have had a bad start, Manchester City haven’t found their rhythm yet, they’re still inconsistent. So there is definitely the chance for Arsenal, but they have to grab it this year. 

Can you explain the importance of William Saliba to the team? 

William has been in the team of the season already twice or maybe three times. His progression has been consistent since he came back to Arsenal [from a loan to Olympique de Marseille]. He’s super calm, and that’s what you need at the back. Besides your ability to win the ball back, you need to be super calm at the back. And he’s bringing that, and especially because they’ve signed new defenders, and he’s showing the way. He’s showing a lot of strength and character to lead from the back. 

Didier Deschamps is set to leave the France national team after the 2026 World Cup. How big an impact will his departure be? 

I don’t think it’ll be such an impact, because we’re talking about national teams. It’s way different from a club manager. You don’t get to work with the guys that much. Everybody will recognise his top achievement; he’s won so much with France, and kept them going to the finals or semi-finals in most tournaments, so he’s done extremely well. But I don’t think his leaving will impact the performance of the national team. 

Everyone expects Zinedine Zidane to succeed him. Do you think he will? And if so do you think he’ll be a good appointment? 

Yeah, it’s everybody’s prediction. He hasn’t said anything about it, and the president of the federation hasn’t said anything about it. But everyone expects him to take over, and everybody is looking forward to it. 

Do you think it’ll be a good appointment?

Everybody in France supports the national team; everyone is extremely positive. Not only because he’s been a great player for France, one of the greatest, if not the greatest, with Michel Platini. Because of what he’s done with Real Madrid, the way the team played. He’s been a one-man club in terms of management, and everyone is looking forward to him taking over and seeing the same football that Real Madrid played [under him]. 

Mikaël Silvestre was speaking to Get French Football News exclusively on behalf of Poker Scout.

GFFN | Nick Hartland