«Mbappé will silence the critics»: Lucas Hernandez backs his captain 4 days before France-Senegal

Lucas Hernandez is backing the French national team's defense, expressing unwavering confidence just days before their match against Senegal. The defender, a veteran of the 2018 World Cup win and 2022 final, stated, "I am very confident in this team, in all sectors of play. I have confidence in my teammates. Our defenders are of very high quality."

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I am very confident in this team, in all sectors of play. I have confidence in my teammates. Our defenders are of very high quality.

Addressing the challenging conditions in the United States, Hernandez acknowledged the significant difference in heat and humidity compared to Europe. However, he assured that the team is prepared, drawing on the experiences of players who participated in the 2025 Club World Cup. "Not many players have done the Club World Cup (during the summer of 2025), they know what to expect. Yesterday (Thursday), some saw that there would be a lot of heat, we will have to hydrate. The cooling break will do us good during the matches. We want to give the greatest show to the fans," he said.

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Not many players have done the Club World Cup (during the summer of 2025), they know what to expect. Yesterday (Thursday), some saw that there would be a lot of heat, we will have to hydrate. The cooling break will do us good during the matches. We want to give the greatest show to the fans.

Hernandez also touched upon the performance of teammate Ousmane Dembélé, noting a difference in his play between Paris Saint-Germain and the national team. "Compared to what he offered at PSG, he has done us extraordinary good. In Paris, the coach gives him all the freedom in the world, here too. It's up to him to find the solutions to prove, on the field, that he is the best in the world. In selection, he does not have the free mobility that he has in club. But he is an extraordinary player who will do us good," Hernandez commented.

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Compared to what he offered at PSG, he has done us extraordinary good. In Paris, the coach gives him all the freedom in the world, here too. It's up to him to find the solutions to prove, on the field, that he is the best in the world. In selection, he does not have the free mobility that he has in club. But he is an extraordinary player who will do us good.

When asked about the team's approach, Hernandez stressed the importance of adapting and performing at their best for the national team, distinguishing it from club play. He also praised goalkeeper Mike Maignan as a leader within the squad, stating, "He is an excellent goalkeeper, an excellent person, he likes to talk. He is a leader in this group. We all have enormous confidence in him."

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He is an excellent goalkeeper, an excellent person, he likes to talk. He is a leader in this group. We all have enormous confidence in him.