Konaté reflects on World Cup loss, team's duty

French defender Ibrahima Konaté spoke candidly about the national team's recent World Cup final defeat, describing it as a loss that "is very difficult to digest" and occupies his thoughts daily. As a player who was a substitute during the World Cup and is expected to be a starter against England, Konaté addressed the team's performance and mindset during a press conference.

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I wanted to start with this above all else. This is the coach's last press conference. I would like to thank him, his staff, and all the people who accompanied him during this long journey with the French team. He brought a lot of joy to the French people, certainly there were moments of disappointment. I want to thank everyone who works in the shadows.

Konaté acknowledged the disappointment of falling short in the final but differentiated it from previous semi-final exits. "A defeat in the final and in the semi-final, this one is less difficult to swallow," he stated, suggesting a different emotional weight to the loss. He also took a moment to thank coach Didier Deschamps, his staff, and all those who supported the team, including the fans who traveled to support them despite high costs. "We want to thank all the French fans who made the trip and supported us enormously; we know how high the prices were, they made sacrifices," Konaté added.

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It's very difficult to digest, we think about it every day since that defeat. Explanations? Yes and no. The best person to ask this question to is the coach. But there was regret. A defeat in the final and in the semi-final, this one is less difficult to swallow.

Looking ahead to the match against England, Konaté stressed the team's obligation to play with honor and respect for the French jersey and nation. "As a footballer, you want to win for yourself, and you want the coach, with all he has done for the national team, the players here, we must be at least grateful to him. We must win the match," he said. He admitted that playing in a match with no chance of winning the ultimate prize is not ideal, especially given the team's expectations, but underscored the duty to perform. "But wearing the jersey and singing the Marseillaise, we have a duty, we will respect it to the end."

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As a footballer, you want to win for yourself, and you want the coach, with all he has done for the national team, the players here, we must be at least grateful to him. We must win the match.

Regarding teammate Kylian Mbappé's pursuit of the Golden Boot, Konaté expressed his personal happiness for Mbappé's potential individual achievement. However, he quickly added that Mbappé's priority, like the rest of the team, would have been winning the World Cup. "For Kylian, it would be something good individually. I would be the happiest for him. But knowing him, he would have preferred to score 0 goals and win the competition. That was the priority," Konaté concluded.

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For Kylian, it would be something good individually. I would be the happiest for him. But knowing him, he would have preferred to score 0 goals and win the competition. That was the priority.