Ferland Mendy, the left-back, spoke at a press conference just days before the start of the Euro.
His complicated history with the French national team: “There have never been any issues, but it happened with my former doctor who said things a bit late. Last June, I was called up, and in Madrid, they knew I wasn’t coming, and my doctor said it at the last moment. That’s all.”
On missed major tournaments: “I can’t say I missed them, but as I’ve said, the coach makes decisions and you have to accept them. I give my all at the club hoping to be there. There’s competition, that’s football.”
Named the best left-back by Ancelotti but not a regular in the French team—why? “Very good question. Honestly, I don’t know. I’ll ask the coach, and he’ll tell me. It’s true that I play a lot at club level, but you have to adapt and be ready. We can be called up at any moment. I’ve known people here for a long time, some were in training with me. Everyone is nice, but I’m a bit of a loner.”
“We learn to win at Real Madrid, also solidarity.”
Areas where he has improved: “At Real Madrid, I have a player in front of me (Vinicius) who needs space and freedom. The coach asks me to defend well, that’s the main thing, and up front, they do the work. If I go forward, I’ll bring players to the one in front of me, and he doesn’t need that. At Real Madrid, we learn to win, and there’s solidarity too. We have a very united team, we always manage incredible comebacks.” His playing style: “I’m good in one-on-ones. I need to slide a bit more and release myself offensively. I’ve gotten used to being a bit more defensive and less offensive, so I need to let go a bit more.”
On current political issues in France: “I think everyone has their opinion, I have mine, and I don’t think I need to express it.”
Choosing between Vinicius and Mbappé: “They’re two different players, but both great. I hope things go very well in Madrid. Nice try.”
His future at Madrid and the Champions League: “Everything has gone very well for me. I won the Champions League and was called up by France. I’m very happy to be here and to play in this Euro. I’ve played a lot at club level. You have to adapt and be ready. They might need you at any moment. My future at Real Madrid isn’t something to worry about right now. We’ll see what happens; for now, I’m focused on the Euro.”
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