Tokyo (AFP)

"More we advance and more I feel confidence": the captain of the XV of France Guilhem Guirado was Friday optimistic on the eve of starting the World Cup against Argentina in Tokyo, even if the Blues leave "de far "in view of their previous results.

QUESTION: Skepticism surrounds your ability to go far. What are the reasons to believe it?

ANSWER "Of course (there is some skepticism), because of our results, which are not regular, but which also show some good performances, or some good bits of matches these days. prepared to believe it, we worked very hard, we know that tomorrow's match (Saturday) will determine the rest of the competition, we showed some nice things this summer, now we want to show it during the competition and especially tomorrow against a tougher opponent. "

Q: What do you expect from your third and last World Cup?

A: "I'm really expecting a lot compared to what we've been going through for two months, as a group, to start this World Cup with this first match that we've been looking forward to for a year and a half or two years. we know that we will meet Argentina, then, to feed our ambitions with what we will do in the field.For now we start from a distance, but we have a lot of appetite to enjoy, enjoy and especially fun with friends, the base of this sport, do not forget it. "

Q: Argentines are famous for playing and preparing with passion, you seem more in restraint ...

A: "(the level of intensity) It's already in the week on some training, the opposition (last Friday against Yamaha Jubilo) too.It rises over time and the approach of the game. think the whole staff, and even + Jeff + (Poirot, by his side) and me, we'll try to get them up, but I think from experience that there's no point in playing the game before, and put so much pressure or in states (like the Argentineans) .Although it can be so positive.We created our history, our ambition, we put all that was needed to be ready tomorrow.Seriously, more we move forward and the more I feel confidence, it's positive, I trust the players next door. "

Q: Will you hold a warrior speech before the game?

A: "We've done a lot of work with Jeff on the training, the preparation, as the game approaches, tomorrow (Saturday) it's just a little bit of motivation, the last instructions, harangue the players around me to feel that they are ready and can the mayonnaise rise at the right time, but given what I've felt in recent days, we're gaining momentum, so much the better.

Q: What are you going to say to young people competing for their first World Cup?

A: "We are not preparing to make a precise speech in relation to the players who are going to start at the World Cup, it has been a crescendo, it's a daily job. I try to be the most laid-back and comfortable with them, I get to know them, what does not happen during the Tournament and the tours.With respect to the character of each one we know how to speak and exchange for them to respond. "

Interviewed at a press conference.

© 2019 AFP