France will face Azerbaijan in the World Cup preliminaries on October 11. French defender Saliba attended the press conference before the game.

About the partnership with Upamecano

The French team has many excellent central defenders. Upamecano and Konate know each other well. Upamecano and I also work well together. We all want to be the main force and that will push us to improve together.

About the game against Azerbaijan

It was easy for us to find motivation because there are no easy games in the national team. We have to make the game easy ourselves and we want to get three points to qualify for the World Cup as soon as possible.

About your status in the national team

I missed two national team call-ups, injuries are always annoying. When you're not there, there's always someone else playing well. If I want to get back on the field, I have to perform when the coach needs me.

About Koné

I have known Koné since I was a child, when I was his captain. He’s a very good player who gets a chance to play as soon as he comes. It's great to see him establishing himself in this team. I hope he keeps it up.

Conflicts regarding club and national team matches

All matches are important. It's a special honor to represent your country, so we always try to do our best.

On renewing the contract with Arsenal and the desire for the championship

I want to stay at Arsenal because I feel at home here. I'm eager to win trophies but they will come soon because we have a good coach and team. I want to develop here long-term.

About the French team’s declining popularity among young fans

This is a new generation of the French team, and there are not many members of the 2018 world champion. If we want a new generation of fans to know us, we have to win trophies. We need to qualify for the World Cup first and then try to win it.

About Konate’s absence

He did not participate in training due to some minor injuries. I hope he comes back soon, but I don't know much about the situation.

About Spain and Argentina being favorites for the World Cup, but this is "not terrible"

The World Cup is still eight months away. The difference between us and Spain and Argentina is that they have won the major titles leading up to the 2022 World Cup and Euros. But they don't scare us. I hope we can qualify first and then get revenge at the World Cup.

About Olise

He is one of the technical leaders of the team and he brings some crazy elements to the team because his technical level is above average. He's a cool, funny guy. He can be a bit insouciant at times, but he is a very good player and with his ability he will bring more to this team.

About Towan

It's great to have him with us. This is the first time I have been selected for the national team with him. It's great to see players back after long absences. He's won the World Cup, which is great to see.

About Mateta's debut in the national team

He is a very difficult forward to deal with. He's strong, fast and continues to improve year after year. If Crystal Palace has been so strong in the past two years, it is because of his presence. I'm happy he's here and I hope he can make his debut for the national team.

About Azerbaijan’s strength

We have not seen their game videos yet. However, we have watched some highlights of their games during dinner and can have a little understanding, but we have not yet carried out targeted analysis. However, I personally do use video a lot to study my opponents and review what I am doing well and what I am not doing well.

About the World Cup

Yes, we have started talking about the World Cup. This is the biggest event in football. We can’t wait to get involved, but first we have to qualify. Everyone wants to go.

About being a striker, his style is similar to Mateta's

Yes, I think we will have similar styles. But I don’t know if I would be successful if I continued playing as a forward. I'm very happy with where I am now.