Mixed martial arts Talking Football with…. Mikael Silvestre: Senegal Are the Strongest African Team, it Will be Tough for England
In the latest of our series of interviews with the former France defender Mikael Silvestre, we discussed the conclusion of the World Cup group stage and whether France’s defeat to Tunisia should be of concern. We also asked Mikael to preview England vs Senegal ahead of that round of 16 clash and whether he expects France vs England in the quarters.
Didier Deschamps did not start Kylian Mbappe and other core members and they lost to Tunisia. Is that a cause for concern for France?
“No it’s not a cause for concern. It’s a concern for the players that didn’t grab the opportunity to maybe gain their spots for the next games.”
“Clearly the collective performance wasn’t a success. It was a draw until the referee changed his mind after the final whistle.”
“It is not a concern but it was disappointing for the players involved.”
“In fact it’s quite disturbing for the players who started this type of game. There’s nothing to be satisfied from that performance.”
As an ex-pro, did you prefer to rest in these situations or play to be in match rhythm?
“Because there’s not so much time in between games – if you miss the third group stage game, there’s eight days between the second group stage game and the Round of 16. So, I think it’s good to have a full rest and I’m sure most players don’t mind having a rest.”
“This competition is physically demanding but it’s more on the mental side that you need to recharge the battery. You’re still preparing for the games in case you have to come off the bench, so you don’t switch off. You’re just taking a break because you won’t be asking your head to be on top for 90 minutes.”
“So, I think it’s beneficial if you can do that and rest early on in the competition.”
Of course Mbappe not playing against Tunisia means he had one less game to score in. How do you think that affects the Golden Boot race?
“I don’t think that’s an issue for him or Didier Deschamps. They have the same goal.”
“Yes, Kylian is extremely motivated to break records and show his best but his mentality is about playing for the team and he knows that having a rest and coming on for 20 minutes or so was the best for France going forward.”
“He’s the main asset going forward. No doubt.”
“Having him in best shape for the next game against Poland was bigger than him securing more goals.”
France vs Poland. How are you feeling about that game? What are your expectations? Can France have any fears?
“Yeah, I think Argentina is pleased not to face France (laughs).”
“On paper, we are favourites to win that game and Poland have not been very impressive in those first three matches but they are getting results. They’ve got experience and you can see that. They know how to manage their games and the competition.”
“France is confident and we should be.”
“We have to treat them with a lot of respect because it won’t be an easy game. There are no more easy games going forward now in the tournament.”
Any French weaknesses that Poland can take advantage of?
“France have shown some weaknesses on set pieces, so that is definitely something that Poland could take advantage of. France really have room for improvement on defensive set pieces”
“And it has not only been in the World Cup, we also saw that tendency before the World Cup was kicked off.”
“We conceded a goal against Tunisia which was disallowed due to VAR and we also conceded a goal against Denmark, so that is a weak point.”
How do you expect French defenders to keep Robert Lewandowski quiet? How would you have approached dealing with him?
“I played against him at Bremen, when he was at Dortmund and against top strikers like him, you have to be super close to him. Doesn’t mean that you have to anticipate all the time but you have to watch him all the time and not let him go behind your back.”
“Be aggressive, in the right way.”
“In the box, you don’t play zonal marking with him. Especially with him. You have to man-mark him. Doesn’t matter which area he’s going, there needs to be a defender with him because otherwise he will find the right space and he needs one or two touches to finish. He’s deadly.”
“I think we have enough qualities at the back to stop him from scoring. They have to be fully focused for the 90 minutes.”
“Like Mbappe is for France, Lewandowski is clearly the main weapon for Poland.”
Your top three players from France so far in the tournament?
“Kylian Mbappe, Theo Hernandez and Antoine Griezmann have been the best three players from France so far in the World Cup.”
“Mbappe is always a threat, and he is making a huge difference because he can challenge the defenders one against one and even one against two defenders. He is scoring goals and providing assists as well.”
“Griezmann is more like a midfielder now and he is doing really well in that role.”
Should Deschamps ever try to play with Camavinga as a left-back again?
“I think Didier Deschamps wanted to give every player game time and in that way he also tested the possibilities if we get injuries or quarantines.”
Camavinga is definitely able to do a good job on the left back for one game if it is needed even though it isn’t his favourite position.”
England vs Senegal. What are your expectations for this knockout match?
“Senegal has been really good, which is impressive because they are missing Sadio Mané. They have already shown the world why they are the champions of Africa.”
“It will be a really good battle against England. I expect England to go through but it will be a very tough match for England. I definitely think Senegal are the strongest African team even though Morocco also have shown some really good things.”
The winners here will play France in the quarter-finals if they can get past Poland. What do you think of that potential match-up?
“England versus France would be a really good match. I would say it could be like a final and the winner of that game could win the World Cup.”
“If they are both going through it will be a really good and fun match to watch.”
What did you think of Marcus Rashford’s performance and his two goals against Wales?
“Rashford did superb against Wales. He was making the runs, he was beating people and he finished the things on his own, so it was a really good performance.”
“It was a pleasure to watch his joy when he was playing at that level. He was given the opportunity and he grabbed it.”
Should Rashford and Foden now keep their place in the last 16 game against Senegal or would you like to see Saka/Sterling return to the side?
“It´s really a headache for Gareth Southgate. It all depends on which opponent they are going to face
“Honestly, I can not say which players I would play with, but I think England have to play with a high tempo and accelerate the game, so he should go with the players that he believes can do that.”
Harry Kane has struggled so far for England and is yet to find the net. Are you worried about his performances? Are there question marks about his place in the team?
“There is no doubt about Harry Kane. He will play, and he is an amazing team player. He is a really good link-up player.”
“I know that he hasn’t scored yet, but I think it’s just a matter of time before that will happen. He has really good players around him that will create the chances he needs to score.”
As a former left back yourself, which parts of Luke Shaw’s game do you admire the most?
“I really like Luke Shaw´s willingness to go forward. He is like a second winger which is his trademark. That really makes him a threat.”
“He is a really important player for England.”
Denmark went home with just one point from three. Were they the most disappointing team at the World Cup?
“Denmark was disappointing. They missed a big opportunity. They had a good record going into the tournament. The style of football and the results were positive. France weren’t certain to top this group when we saw we were grouped with Denmark.”
“I think they had a good game against France. It just didn’t go their way. Other than that they struggled. It’s a big upset and one of the major surprises to see them go early.”
What did you make of the quotes from Kevin de Bruyne saying that Belgium couldn’t win this World Cup because “We’re too old. Our chance was in 2018.”
“Kevin De Bruyne does speak his mind so I’m not surprised by him but that must have felt like a shot for his teammates. Normally you discuss that internally. The disappointment of their campaign must have been tough and he felt like he had to let it out.”
“Even if you think age is an issue there’s nothing you can do about it. Look at Italy winning the Euros with Chiellini and Bonucci. As much as you say age is just a number for young players, it also applies to older players at this type of tournament.”
“Belgium had enough to get out of their group but they haven’t performed to their potential. Them not making it out of the group has been coming. It’s not a surprise.”
Do you think that Mohammed Kudus could be this World Cup´s James Rodriguez and move to one of the biggest clubs?
“When you play in Holland – unless you’re doing well in the Champions League – you don’t have much international exposure. Kudus has grabbed the chance with Ghana to show his potential and he’s been the main player for Ghana. Definitely, one to watch in the tournament.”
What would Jude Bellingham bring to a Premier League midfield if he were to join the club next summer?
“Jude has a style of football that can suit any league. He has energy, his quality of dribbling, passing and his finishing as well. He’s a complete midfield player. Can play the 6, the 8 and he’s the modern midfield player.”
“He’s always trying to be positive with and without the ball. He’s making runs. It’s hard to find any weaknesses in his game. Sometimes, he shows his youth in some decisions but it’s also a quality. He’s one of the stars of this World Cup.”
Is Chrsitian Pulisic being underused considering his form for the USA at the World Cup?
“Pulisic has been at his best with the USA team. He has more responsibility which he likes. He has to lead the team offensively and he’s having much more fun when he plays for the USA.”
“When you’re the main guy for your nation it’s different. He’s delivering and he’s part of a very good, young and talented group. It’s a very good time for him.”
What have you made of Bruno Fernandes at the World Cup so far?
“Bruno is just continuing with Portugal how he was with Manchester United. Portugal has a good squad. Bruno and Cristiano Ronaldo are the most influential players. On and off the pitch he’s thriving. He’s matured and he’s demanding of himself as well as his teammates. You can expect him to continue at that level.”
