Warren Zaïre-Emery, the 20-year-old midfielder for Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team, spoke to Téléfoot in an interview broadcast this Sunday. He discussed, among other things, his return to form, the Champions League, and the World Cup.
Zaïre-Emery: “The objective is clear: to win the World Cup.”
How does it feel to be back with the French national team?
It feels great. It’s always an honor to wear the French jersey 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, will you need to be ready against Senegal?
It will be the same, or even worse. Senegal is a very good team; they are the African champions. We’ll need to bring more effort; it’s the World Cup, and they’ll want to beat one of the best teams in the world. We’ll do everything we can to win match after match.
First World Cup?
It’s a great source of pride. When you’re a kid, you dream of moments like these. It’s thanks to the season I’ve had, and I’m very happy about it. I want to enjoy the experience and make the most of it with the national team. You have to savor every moment.
Zaïre-Emery: “It was simply a matter of confidence.”
A difficult start to the season, but you managed to bounce back. Where did you find that strength?
It was a situation I struggled to accept, being on the bench, having to work hard. After the relegation to the U21s, I managed to regain my confidence. Playing regularly gave me back my game, my intensity. After that, it all came naturally.
When confidence returns… A club official told me that my qualities were still there, so it was simply a matter of confidence. I went back to what I love: playing football, getting the ball, moving forward, making runs, winning duels. That’s the football I love.
Have you recovered from the Champions League victory?
Yes, but then you have to quickly move on. It’s a different context. I enjoyed spending time with my family, the players, the staff, and now it’s back to the French national team and another competition starting.
Zaïre-Emery: “The first one was incredible, the second one is magnificent.”
What was the feeling at the end?
It’s a feeling of pride. The first one was incredible, the second one is magnificent. Seeing everyone celebrating… Marquinhos was crying during the first one. The second one was different. There was a sense of relief. It’s been a long season, 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 relive. We don’t take a trophy for granted; when we can win, we have to do everything we can to get it.
Your grandmother came onto the pitch, was that a very emotional moment?
I didn’t see her on the pitch at first, I was at the medical tests, I saw my family afterwards at the hotel. These are all beautiful moments.
Zaïre-Emery: “You can’t blame 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 blame 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 French fans?
Thank you for being there at every match, for encouraging us. We’re going to do everything to make you proud and bring the trophy home.
Zaïre-Emery: “It’s a blast to be here, I’m enjoying every moment of every minute.”
What would Warren have thought as a child about playing in the World Cup?
This is the most beautiful competition; every child dreams of being here. It was a dream, and being here is a great source of pride.
Could you also play right-back?
If the coach says I have to play goalkeeper, I’ll do it! (smiles). I want to play, everywhere. It’s a blast to be here; I’m enjoying every moment of 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 afraid of not playing much, like at the Euros?
When I’m not playing, I try to be at my best in training so that the others perform well. If I don’t play much, I’ll push them to be even better.
What is the strength of the French national team today?
Solidarity, because we are first and foremost a team, a family. We fight for each other, that’s what will allow us to go far.
Is Ousmane Dembélé ready for a great World Cup?
He’s been in top form for a while now. He has everything he needs to have a great World Cup. We have one of the best attacks and we’ll do everything we can to win.
