Désiré Doué, Paris Saint-Germain’s 19-year-old winger, spoke to L’Équipe after the French team’s penalty shoot-out victory over Croatia. A match in which he scored a decisive penalty. He talked about how he felt about his debut, the tension surrounding his debut and his first week with the French national team.
Doué “I feel very, very good”.
“How do you feel after your debut against Croatia, your first selection for the French national team?
I feel very, very good. Above all, I’m very happy with the team’s victory (2-0, 5-4 on penalties) and qualification for the Final Four. We put on a very good show this (Sunday) evening, and we’d like to thank the fans too.
What were the coach’s instructions ?
To keep hurting them, to create danger. You took a penalty with PSG against Liverpool, and another tonight with the French team.
Doué “They were high-stakes penalties”.
How did you feel ?
I was focused. The penalty is a technical gesture and you have to try to take it as well as possible. I was smiling again today. That’s great.
Of the two penalties, which one was the most pressure-filled ?
Both of them. They were high-stakes penalties.
If you missed that one, Les Bleus were out.
(He smiles) Yes, I know, I know. But… I scored it.
Doué “I’m delighted to be able to play soccer”.
How did you experience your first week with the French team ?
It went really well. I’m very happy to have had the opportunity to play. The group integrated me very well too. I really enjoyed it.
Many new internationals talk about the weight of the jersey. Did you feel it ?
Of course, when you play for the French team, you have a lot of responsibility. But I only take it positively. I’m happy to be able to play soccer, to be able to play for my country. It’s nothing but happiness.
It’s great to see a PSG player make his first appearance for the national team. Désiré Doué has come on in leaps and bounds this season, and he deserves to play for Les Bleus. We saw him play his first minutes under Didier Deschamps and he didn’t fall apart. He offered what he knows how to do: percussion and availability. He played without fear, with some waste, but with talent to spare.
He still has a long way to go and a lot of work to do, but he’s off to a promising start. We should be seeing more of him, as he’s brought his own personality to the table. Of course, his penalty kick and the fact that he doesn’t hide away mean that he can be a long-term player. It’s now up to him to confirm this at club level, to continue his ascent. At PSG, he can enjoy a royal end to the season, and it’s true that whatever happens, his year will have been rich in progress and emotion.
