Warren Zaïre-Emery, 19-year-old Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, spoke at a press conference this Tuesday on the sidelines of the French U21 national team’s training camp. He spoke in particular about his loss of confidence and his need to “free himself.”
Zaïre-Emery: “He’s trying to give me back that confidence, to regain the ability I had last season.”
Returning to the U21 team?
“I’m enjoying my return. The goal isn’t to stay in the U21 team for very long. There’s the World Cup this summer.
A goal to be at the World Cup?
It’s the biggest competition in the world. So yes, definitely a goal.
How do you assess the start of the season?
I’ve had some good matches and two or three less good ones. We have to keep this momentum going, keep the positives and forget the negatives or learn from these matches.
What needs to be improved?
My goal is to improve everything, whether it’s technique or tactics. I talk a lot with the coach (Luis Enrique, editor’s note). He’s trying to give me back that confidence, to regain the ability I had last season.
Zaïre-Emery: “I’m holding myself back.”
I’m holding myself back. I know I have the ability to play, but my confidence plays a little part. It’s up to me to free myself, to play the way I know how, with that carefree attitude.”
When did the loss of confidence begin?
Maybe after the injury (early 2025, editor’s note), the coach rotated the team, and I wouldn’t say it affected me, but suddenly I was playing less.
It’s interesting to see Zaïre-Emery’s comments, full of honesty, determination, and a few doubts. Titi feels he’s lost confidence and needs to turn things around. Coach Luis Enrique is trying to help him, as he has done with other players. We’re sure all is not lost, as the midfielder has put in some slightly more interesting performances.
However, we still need more consistency and a bit more daring play at times. At least Zaire-Emery has regained some impact in duels and some punch. Now we need to regain his precision and dare to create a few more chances.
We have faith in the young midfielder, who is still very hardworking, to get back on track. But we also see the impact of mental strength on performance. It’s perhaps the greatest enemy of professional players. There’s still a great career ahead for Titi; it would be wonderful if he reached the World Cup. We’re counting on the entire club and the fans to support him.
