Speaking to Kicker, Kingsley Coman opens up about his first World Cup, how France could do at the tournament and what his dream final would be. In short, he hopes France can win the tournament and defend their title, but only if they take it game by game and do not end up performing as they did at the European Championship.
How important is the World Cup for you?
“Very important! It will be my first and maybe my last World Cup, because in football you never know. I’m 26, maybe I’m better at 30, but physically not at the top anymore.”
You start against Australia – Denmark and Tunisia are the other group opponents. How do you rate the group?
“We have to approach it concentrated from the beginning. Anything can happen in such a tournament. For example, we lost twice to Denmark in the Nations League. We also know that our European Championship was not very good, we have to do better this time.”
With regards to the squad, can France’s only goal be win the World Cup?
“That’s always the goal. But after the bad European Championship, we tackle it game by game, give everything and then see.”
What is your opinion on Qatar as an organiser?
“I always said that I was a football player. And I am aware of my role model role. Our goal should be to bring joy to the people and fans there.”
Who do you see as favourites besides France?
“Brazil and Germany.”
Do you have to say that?
“Sure, for Joshua Kimmich, A final France against Germany would be very good.”
Coman is part of the France squad who will look to defend their World Cup title. Coman has played a total of 40 times for Les Bleus since he made his debut in 2015. More recently he has seen himself deployed in a right-wingback position with France and he will be hoping to start in France’s opening game against Australia.
RMC Sport reported this afternoon that RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku picked up a knock in France’s final training session following a collision with Eduardo Camavinga.
GGFN | Jack Meenan
