Warren Zaïre-Emery: ‘Deschamps can put me in goal if he likes’

Warren Zaïre-Emery: ‘Deschamps can put me in goal if he likes’ Speaking to the press ahead of France’s World Cup opener against Senegal, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery (20) has explained that he doesn’t see his versatility as a problem. Despite playing 54 matches for PSG this season, helping the team to the Ligue 1 title, Zaïre-Emery missed out on a starting place in the Champions League final as PSG retained the trophy, and is unlikely to start for les Bleus during this World Cup. The midfielder by trade – who played right-back for more than half of his appearances this season – is seen as only the third-choice right-back and fifth-choice midfielder in Deschamps’ squad. However, Zaïre-Emery – the youngest member of the France squad – is taking his status with good humour: “I try to manage the situation the best way I can. I am a humble person, I give the best of myself and want to push my team-mates for them to be better and help them to give more.” Asked whether his versatility is a help of a hindrance, he responded “when you are able to play in different positions, it’s always better for the coach, for the team. Whichever position I play, I am happy there, I take pleasure in it.” To prove his point, Zaïre-Emery recounted an exchange that he had with Didier Deschamps in training: “The coach came and asked me ‘would you mind if I play you at left-back for a training match?’ I replied to him with pleasure – he could even put me in goal if he wanted to”. Zaïre-Emery – who was in France’s squad for Euro 2024 but did not have any game-time, made it clear that he was delighted to be at the World Cup – but is also clear on France’s mission: “You’ve just got to take it all in, enjoy it – and win the World Cup for the country”. GFFN | Jeremy Smith