​Digne: France World Cup Favorites? Argentina and Spain Are Strong, But We're Pretty Good Too

France defender Lucas Digne gave an exclusive interview to RMC, discussing his pride in remaining with the national team, his relationship with coach Didier Deschamps, Aston Villa's successful season, and his World Cup aspirations.

Digne is the fifth-most capped French player in World Cup history (57 appearances) and has been with Deschamps longer than any other current squad member. He is heading to his second World Cup, having also featured in two European Championships.

In 2014, you played against Ecuador in the final group stage match in Brazil. What memories do you have of that game?  
"That match at the Maracanã was incredible – the entire stadium in yellow. It's a very, very good memory…"

You arrive here with the ambition of earning more playing time… How do you see your role?  
"I'm not worried at all. The manager has been giving me minutes for a while and trusts me. I'm enjoying it. Now it's up to me to show him he can count on me."

Your role within the squad?  
"I'm more of a big brother now. I help the younger players who have just arrived, give them advice, see what help they need or what questions they have, and I'm there for them when they need me."

"It's not about watching them all day and telling them what to do, but being there when they need you and welcoming newcomers in the best way possible. I went through that when I was younger, and we all know that if you're not comfortable, nothing is easy."

"So you have to put them at ease so they can express themselves freely on the pitch."

Are France among the World Cup favorites?  
"To be honest, there are many strong teams – Argentina, Spain, etc. Of course, France are also pretty good… I think it will come down to details, and then it's up to us to prove we deserve it on the pitch."

"Who goes to a World Cup not wanting to win it? That's for sure. With the squad we have, we'll give everything to go as far as possible."

On a personal level, you're a regular starter for Aston Villa, who won the Europa League and finished fourth in the Premier League. Could you be more confident?  
"I'm already very happy with the club. It was a really great season, in terms of stats (7 assists in 44 appearances), and qualification for the Europa League and Champions League through the league. It's a fantastic period for me, a fantastic season, and I need to maintain that."

What's the secret of Aston Villa's success?  
"It's all about hard work. Our coach is a workaholic and he's instilled that in all of us. We do a lot of work on the pitch and in video analysis, and it's paid off."

The competition with Ian Maatsen is intense – ultimately, it benefits you, doesn't it?  
"He's been at Villa for two years now. Of course, it benefits us both. We push each other, just like at international level."

"You always want to improve, so it helps you a lot. It's always satisfying to be a starter because he's also a very good player."

You were the Premier League defender with the most assists this season (6). Is that down to Unai Emery?  
"It's a bit of both, I work hard (laughs). It's true that I do a lot of crossing drills. Of course, the tactical system, the teammates, and the coach all play a part."

"We play in a back four, but the system gives us a lot of freedom to get forward, and the automatic understanding we've developed is crucial."

Even at 32, you still practice crossing in training?  
"Yes, I do crossing drills, as well as specific phases of attack and defence. Free kicks are also essential – at least once or twice a week."

Do you get the same freedom with the French national team?  
"I do feel the same freedom, but it all depends on how the game is going. In some matches you get more opportunities to attack, in others you have to defend. It's the same at club level – the key is adaptation."

Nuno Mendes sometimes plays as a winger for PSG… Fancy trying that yourself?  
"Play as a winger? At Villa, sometimes when we attack, I also find myself playing as a winger. So why not (smiling)."

You left France eleven years ago. What is your relationship with your home country today?  
"I try to go back to the south of France often to see my family. But with the schedule, it's not always easy. So either they come to me or I go to them, but I keep a very good connection with France."

And you don't often get to see France's national team fans…  
"It's always a pleasure to represent France on home soil, to go to Nantes, Lille, and other cities, and to meet people. Lille is special, so I really cherish it (Digne came through Lille's youth academy)."

Source: RMC Sport