Champions League, World Cup and confidence, Zaïre-Emery is blunt | OneFootball

Warren Zaïre-Emery, the 20-year-old Paris Saint-Germain and France midfielder, spoke to Téléfoot in an interview broadcast this Sunday. He notably discussed his return to form, the Champions League, and the World Cup.

Zaïre-Emery: “The objective is clear: to win the World Cup.”

What does it feel like to be back with the France team?

It feels good. It’s always a source of pride to wear the France shirt again. I’m very happy to be here and proud of my season with the club, to be part of this group. The objective is clear: to win the World Cup.

After a friendly defeat against Ivory Coast, you’ll have to be ready against Senegal?

It’ll be the same, maybe even tougher. Senegal are a very good team, they’re the African champions. We’ll have to bring more in every area, it’s the World Cup and they’ll want to beat one of the best nations in the world. We’re going to do everything we can to win match after match.

First World Cup?

It’s a huge source of pride. When you’re a kid, you dream of moments like this. It’s thanks to the season I’ve had, and I’m very happy about it. I want to enjoy myself and gain experience with the Bleus. You have to make the most of every moment.

Zaïre-Emery: “It was just confidence.”

A difficult start to the season, but you managed to come back—where did you find that strength?

It was a situation I had trouble accepting, being on the bench, struggling a little. Then, after dropping down to the Under-21s, I managed to regain my confidence. Playing matches in succession gave me back rhythm and intensity. After that, it happened naturally.

When confidence comes back… A club official told me that my qualities were still there, so it was just confidence. I started doing again what I love: playing football, getting on the ball, moving forward, driving at defenders, winning duels. That’s the football I love.

Have you recovered from the Champions League win?

Yes, but after that you have to move on quickly. It’s a different context. I enjoyed it with my family, the players, the staff, and now it’s the France team with another competition starting.

Zaïre-Emery: “The first one was incredible, the second is magnificent.”

What was the feeling at the end?

It’s a source of pride. The first one was incredible, the second is magnificent. Seeing everyone celebrating… The first time, Marquinhos was crying. The second, it’s different. There was a sense of relief. The season was long, with injuries. It’s magnificent.

A third one in sight?

We never stop, we’re always hungry for trophies. These are emotions we want to experience again. You never take a trophy for granted; when you have a chance to win, you have to do everything to go and get it.

Your grandmother came onto the pitch, was it a big emotional moment?

I didn’t see her on the pitch at first, I was doing medical tests, then I saw my family at the hotel. They’re all beautiful moments.

Zaïre-Emery: “You can’t hold it against him, he won like that.”

Did the frustration of being on the bench pass quickly?

Yes. You know, those are the coach’s choices, his formula. You can’t hold it against him, he won like that. At the time, I was a little frustrated, but when the team wins, you can only be happy. I enjoyed coming on and playing for this team.

Are you fulfilled?

Yes, I’m happy, always. With a smile, proud. I try to bring my quality and everything I can contribute.

A message for the Bleus supporters?

Thank you for being there every match, for cheering us on. We’re going to do everything we can to make you proud and bring the trophy home.

Zaïre-Emery: “It’s a real pleasure to be here, I’m enjoying every moment, every minute.”

What would young Warren have thought about playing in the World Cup?

It’s the most beautiful competition, every child dreams of being here. It was a dream, and being here is a huge source of pride.

Could you also play at right-back?

If the coach says I have to play in goal, I’ll do it! (smile). I want to play, anywhere. It’s a real pleasure to be here, I’m enjoying every moment, every minute. No matter the position, I’ll do my best to help the team.

Zaïre-Emery: “We have one of the best attacks and we’ll do everything to win.”

Are you worried about playing very little, like at the Euros?

When I’m not playing, I try to be at my best in training so that the others can perform well. If I end up playing little, I’ll push them to be even better.

What is the strength of the France team today?

Solidarity, because first and foremost we are a team, a family. We fight for one another, and that’s what will allow us to go far.

Is Ousmane Dembélé ready for a great World Cup?

He’s been at the top of his game for a while now. He has everything it takes to have a great World Cup. We have one of the best attacks and we’ll do everything to win.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.