While following the French national team for friendly matches in the United States, Real Madrid star Camavinga accepted an exclusive interview with the American media ESPN. In the interview, he talked about topics such as the French national team, the Champions League, and the upcoming World Cup.
After defeating Manchester City, what changes do you think Real Madrid has undergone? If so, what makes you believe that "this is our state in the Champions League, we can really win the championship"?
Well, I think like you said, defeating Manchester City might have been that "activation switch". Before that, our teamwork might not have been so smooth, but we knew we had to work together, attack together, and defend together. When facing Manchester City, we knew very well that we wouldn't have much possession time and needed a lot of defense, and we did do that, and we did it perfectly.
So now we know we are capable of defending together, enduring pressure together, and then launching attacks at the right time to defeat our opponents. I think this is a turning point because now we clearly know that we can do these things through teamwork.
Do you think this is the best moment you have felt as a Real Madrid team this season?
Well, yes, I would say so. Because we know we are capable of doing these things, and now this is our minimum requirement. Even when facing weaker teams, we must maintain this state and not relax just because the opponent is not strong. Now we have to play like we did against Manchester City, this is the minimum standard.
Of course, you just said that you don't know what exactly changed in the Champions League, but you can find the state, the atmosphere is different, as if it is arranged in the dark. So how do you bring this state in the Champions League back to the domestic league? Because you are still competing with Barcelona for the league title, which may be the most intense championship battle in recent seasons. Do you think you can still catch up with them?
Of course, we can. We must persist until the end, even if we are ranked lower now, we must win every game, whether it is the Champions League or La Liga, we must do our best, nothing is impossible.
What do you think needs to be done now to catch up with them?
We must win all the games, that's it.
Does every game have to be perfect? Do you think so?
I think this is the minimum requirement. We are Real Madrid, so every game must be perfect, we must win every game, this is very normal. Sometimes we may lose, but now we only have about 15 games left, this is the final stage of the league, so we must concentrate and, as I said, attack together, defend together, and win every game.
How do you deal with this pressure? Because like you said, if you lose to other teams, you may stand up again and continue to move forward, but if you lose representing Real Madrid, that feeling will always bother you, like a heavy burden on your shoulders.
I have been playing under this kind of pressure since I was 16 years old, so I am used to it. When I was 16, everyone had high expectations for me, so I have been living under this pressure. After coming to Real Madrid, I know better how to deal with this pressure, and now I have been here for five years, so now it is just normal coping, this is very common for me. Sometimes I even feel strange when there is no pressure.
Okay, tell me about Ancelotti, I know you saw him yesterday, of course he is coaching another team now. I know you respect him very much, you have spent most of your time at Real Madrid under his leadership. Can you talk about what kind of coach he is? How important was he to all the success you achieved at Real Madrid?
Well, like I said before, he is a person who is very close to the players and gives us a lot of freedom. He really understands the players. If a player feels uncomfortable, or if there is something off the field, he will allow you to take care of your own business first. He is a very understanding person. I think he is like a father who can always understand our situation. I think this is the key reason why he can stay at Real Madrid for so long and lead us to win so many Champions League titles.
At least in the clubs you have played for, he may be one of the best "player managers", if not the best. Do you think this is the secret to success sometimes when dealing with a team like Real Madrid that has so many big-name players?
Yes, I think so. Because we are already very good players, so the key is to keep us happy. When players are in a good mood and have a good attitude, the techniques under their feet will naturally be fully utilized. He does a great job in this regard, and everyone can feel it. For example, when we won the Champions League in London that year, he told us that since he became a coach, he had never had such a team atmosphere.
Because everyone is working together, even the players who are on the bench and not playing are very happy, because everyone knows their position and responsibilities. He knows that some players may only play for 10 to 15 minutes, but may change the game, everyone knows what they should do, so no one feels uncomfortable, everyone is happy. Even 35-year-old veterans and 18-year-old young players can get along, and everyone is laughing in training. So the team atmosphere that year was really great.
Do you think the team's atmosphere is closer to that time now?
The situation is different now, because many players have left, and many new players have joined, so the atmosphere is different from before. I think now we need to rebuild a new and cohesive Real Madrid team, which may take some time, but the most important thing now is that the team atmosphere is still very good, and we just need to maintain it.
So, your goal is the Champions League title, and also the La Liga title, still believe you can win?
Of course, we want to fight for all the honors.
Is the World Cup too?
100% want to fight for it.
Yes, you are very humble, but the goal is to defeat all opponents.
Yes, I think so. As a player, my idea is that I must win all the games, so as long as I participate in this event, I want to win the championship.
Before we finish, the next few months are also very important for you, whether representing the French team or Real Madrid. In terms of your personal development, what do you hope to achieve?
Well, I hope I can be more stable, participate in more games, maintain a good state, then participate in the World Cup and win the championship, and win some more trophies to add to my already rich trophy cabinet.