Aurélien Tchouaméni addressed various topics in a press conference in Paderborn, Germany, ahead of France's last group match against Poland. He discussed his recovery from injury, the team's offensive struggles, and the political views within the squad. Despite only scoring one goal, an own goal by Austria's Maximilian Wöber, Tchouaméni remains confident in the French team's capabilities.
Tchouaméni emphasized that his injury recovery was a race against time, but he is now operational and ready to contribute to the team's success. He felt good physically in the match against the Netherlands, although he acknowledged that six weeks off had an impact on his performance.
On the topic of the French team's offensive performance, Tchouaméni admitted that being more clinical in front of goal is an area for improvement. However, he stressed the importance of remaining optimistic as long as the team continues to create opportunities. He expressed confidence in the team's world-class attackers, including Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé.
Tchouaméni also praised the defensive solidity provided by the Upamecano-Saliba duo and goalkeeper Mike Maignan, highlighting that the team has not conceded a goal yet in the competition. He mentioned the leadership qualities of Maignan and the importance of N'Golo Kanté's performances, which complement his own playing style.
Regarding the political situation, Tchouaméni stated that everyone in the group has the right to their opinion. He supports a policy of unity and encourages everyone to vote, emphasizing the paramount importance of every vote. The joint press release by the players was discussed, but the focus remained on the upcoming matches.
Tchouaméni also commented on the performances of his teammates, including Adrien Rabiot, Antoine Griezmann, and Ousmane Dembélé. He noted that while Griezmann may have missed opportunities, he remains an exceptional player and a key figure in the team's passing circuits. Dembélé's ability to create chances is also highly valued, despite the natural ups and downs in his performance.
In conclusion, Tchouaméni highlighted that the most important thing for the team is to win, regardless of whether they play well or badly. He believes that the team's defensive solidity and ability to reach the final stages of competitions are what matter most. The focus is on achieving results and winning titles, which will be remembered at the end of their careers.
- Tchouaméni's determination to recover from his injury and contribute to the team's success is evident. He consulted specialists and worked closely with the medical staff and coach to ensure he was ready for the Euro.
- The French team's defensive strength is a key factor in their performance. The Upamecano-Saliba duo and goalkeeper Mike Maignan have been instrumental in maintaining a solid defense, with no goals conceded so far in the tournament.
- Tchouaméni's views on the political situation reflect his support for unity and the importance of voting. The joint press release by the players indicates a collective stance on political matters, although the focus remains on their performance in the Euro.
- The performances of key players like Kylian Mbappé, N'Golo Kanté, Adrien Rabiot, Antoine Griezmann, and Ousmane Dembélé are crucial for the team's success. Tchouaméni's comments highlight the strengths and contributions of each player, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and individual performances.
