Patrice Evra Exclusive Interview - July Insights on Stake
We sat down with French Football Legend and Stake Ambassador Patrice Evra to break down France's World Cup hopes, analyse the standout performers on the tournament stage, and dissect what it takes to go all the way. Evra shares his expert insights on Mbappé's evolution, the underrated players making the difference, and which dark horses could threaten the favorites. We also delved into the transfer market rumors, emerging talents, and what the future holds for club football.
World Cup
Olise, 24 years old, not a youngster breaking through, his rise has been quite remarkable, hasn't it, with club and country?
I'm not surprised by Michael Olise. I've loved watching him for a while now. Everybody sees the talent, but what I like most is the maturity. He never looks rushed. He plays like he has time, even when there is no time.
I love his nonchalance. Some people see that and think he's too relaxed. I see calm control. The best players make difficult things look simple.
He can score, create, combine, keep the ball and work for the team. That's rare. At 24, he's not a kid anymore, but he's still got so much ahead of him. If he keeps the same hunger, France have a serious player for many years.
History littered with tales of stars that burned brightly for a short period of time before fizzling out, how does he avoid that fate and enjoy longevity?
The hardest thing in football is not getting to the top. The hardest thing is staying there. Talent can open the door, but your habits decide if you stay in the room.
Michael has to protect what makes him special. Keep the same people around him, keep enjoying football, keep working, and don't start believing the noise too much. Every year defenders study you more. Every year people expect more. That's when you find out who is serious.
From what I see, he doesn't look like someone playing for attention. He looks like someone who loves the game. If he keeps that joy, stays humble and never thinks he's arrived, he can stay at the top for a long time.
Do you think France relies too much on Mbappe?
Listen, when you have Kylian Mbappe, of course you play to his strengths. That is normal. You don't have that kind of weapon and pretend he is just another player.
I've been tough on Kylian before, but never because of his talent. It's because I want him to become even more complete, more responsible for the whole team, not just for the moments when he scores.
What I like in this World Cup is that he's making better decisions. He's involving people more. France are stronger when Mbappe is at his best, but let's be clear: you don't win a World Cup with one player. Everyone still has to do their job.
Mbappe's goal-scoring record... how many goals will he get?
I don't like putting numbers on players. One match can change everything. Kylian can score against anybody, but the most important number is the number of wins France get.
If he finishes with five goals and France lift the trophy, I promise you he'll take that every day over winning the Golden Boot and going home early.
What I like more than the goals is the way he's playing for the team. If he keeps doing that, the goals will come naturally.
No matter how many Lionel Messi scores by the end of this World Cup, will Kylian Mbappe eventually break the all-time World Cup goalscoring record?
Of course he can. He has the quality, he is still young, and he already knows how to perform when the whole world is watching.
But I don't want Kylian thinking only about records. Messi wrote his story. Kylian has to write his own. For me, medals come first.
If you keep winning, if you stay hungry and if you keep improving, the records usually follow you. Don't chase the record. Chase the trophy.
You said France's number one enemy is themselves, do you still think that? Have England, or anyone else, shown they can compete?
Yes, I still think France are their own biggest enemy. Nobody scares me more than France sometimes!
England have played well, but please... don't start singing 'It's Coming Home' too early. Maybe if you keep quiet this time, you might finally bring it home.
Spain are dangerous. Brazil with Neymar are different. There are teams who can hurt anybody. But if France play to their level, stay focused and don't beat themselves, they can beat anyone.
Who is the most underrated player in the current France squad?
For me, it is Aurelien Tchouameni. People talk about the players who score the goals, but every great team needs balance, and he gives France that balance.
He protects the defence, wins duels, keeps the game moving and lets the creative players express themselves. Those players are priceless because they do the dirty work that makes everybody else shine.
Jules Kounde also deserves respect, because defenders only get attention when they make a mistake. But if I have to choose one, I say Tchouameni.
Reaching the final again would mean France has made the World Cup final in three consecutive tournaments, would you rank this current crop of players as the all-time French greats if they reach the final again?
First, let's not celebrate before the job is done. Reaching another final would be massive, of course, but what people remember is how you finish the story.
I don't like comparing generations too much. France have had incredible players and incredible teams. Every generation has its own pressure and its own story.
But if this team reaches three World Cup finals in a row, come on, you have to put respect on that. The difference between being remembered and becoming legendary is winning the biggest match.
Reaction to France vs Norway and the upcoming knockout round fixtures?
I enjoyed France against Norway because I saw a team, not just individuals. Everyone will talk about the goals, but I liked the discipline, the patience and the way they worked for each other.
Then against Sweden they confirmed it. Clean, serious, no drama - 3-0 and move on. That's what I like in a tournament. Don't waste energy, don't play with fire, just do the job.
Now it's Paraguay. People will say France are favourites, and of course they are, but a knockout game is different. Paraguay have already shown character by knocking out Germany on penalties, so France need to respect them from the first minute.
The game vs Iraq was the first time we've seen a World Cup game suspended, although the team came out and scored two more goals, how can a delay be a negative? Does Deschamps deserve credit for managing the situation so well?
A delay can be dangerous because it breaks everything: your rhythm, your focus, your temperature, even your emotion. You're in the game, then suddenly everything stops. That's not easy.
Deschamps deserves credit because France came back out focused and finished the job. People always talk about tactics, but sometimes the biggest work happens in the dressing room when nobody sees it.
In a World Cup, keeping players calm in strange moments is part of the job. Didier has that experience, and you saw it.
France have now reached the Round of 16 and will face Paraguay, do you have any concerns about that opponent?
No. If France want to be world champions, they shouldn't be choosing opponents. At this stage, every team deserves respect. If you start picking who you want, football has a funny way of punishing you.
Now it's Paraguay, so the conversation changes. I don't want to hear, 'This is easy.' No chance. Paraguay knocked out Germany, and when a team has that kind of belief, you respect them.
What have you made of Cristiano Ronaldo's performances so far? Is it clear he needs to be benched, or even retire from international football?
People have been trying to retire Cristiano for years. Every tournament, every season, somebody says, 'He's finished.' Then he gives you another reminder of why he is Cristiano Ronaldo.
Does he have the same legs he had ten years ago? Of course not. But football is not only about running. His movement, his discipline, his experience, his obsession with winning - those things still matter.
Whether he starts every game is for Roberto Martinez to decide. But one thing I know: never underestimate Cristiano. Football has taught us that lesson too many times.
Should Roberto Martinez change his tactics and increase Bruno Fernandes' involvement in attack?
Bruno always wants responsibility. You don't have to tell Bruno Fernandes to ask for the ball. He wants it, he wants to create, and he is not scared of the big moment.
Of course Portugal are more dangerous when he receives the ball where he can hurt teams. But you still need balance. You can't just say, 'Bruno, do everything,' and expect the team to work.
If Martinez can get him closer to the danger without losing the structure, Portugal will become stronger. Simple as that.
Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane are considered the top four best players in the World Cup so far, does that fifth spot belong to Cristiano Ronaldo?
Cristiano has every right to be in that conversation, but I don't care too much about rankings. Football is not a video game. Every player gives you something different.
Cristiano still affects games because of his movement, his standards and his experience. But I also look at players who make the team better without always scoring. I've enjoyed watching players like Olise and Dembele too.
So whether Cristiano is fifth, fourth or sixth, I'm not losing sleep over that. The only question is: does he help Portugal win? For me, yes.
Which team do you think are the dark horses for the knockouts?
A dark horse is not always the team with the biggest names. Sometimes it's the team that is willing to suffer the most.
If I have to pick one from the teams still alive, I like Morocco. They have character, they fight, they believe, and nobody enjoys playing against them in knockout football.
I also look at Paraguay now, because when you knock out Germany on penalties, you are not here by accident. You have something. That's why France have to be serious. In this tournament, the dangerous team is often the one nobody wants to respect until it's too late.
Who has impressed you the most so far during this tournament? Any good signings for Man United?
Michael Olise has impressed me the most. He confirmed what I already thought: calm, mature, complete. He plays with freedom, but he still understands the team.
For Manchester United, be careful. You don't buy a player just because he had three good games at a World Cup. That's how clubs make emotional decisions and pay too much money.
If United are doing the work properly, they already know the profiles they want. The question is not, 'Who impressed us this week?' The question is, 'Who fits the project and who can handle Old Trafford?'
Players like Van Dijk have spoken against hydration breaks, stating that they should be decided on a game-to-game basis - do you agree?
I'm not against hydration breaks. If the conditions are dangerous, protect the players. Health comes first.
But don't stop the game just for the sake of it. Football has rhythm. It has emotion. Sometimes one team is flying, you stop the match, and everything changes.
Football is not the Super Bowl. Use common sense. If it's needed, do it. If not, let the game breathe.
What have you made of England's performances in the group stages?
England have done the job. They looked mature, disciplined and in control, and that's a good sign in a tournament.
But now we stop talking about the group stage. Knockout football is another world. One mistake, one bad decision, one moment where you lose concentration, and you go home.
England have quality. Now we will see if they can stay calm when the real pressure comes.
England's attack and Harry Kane in particular looked impressive, how far do you think they could go?
Harry Kane doesn't need to prove anything to anybody. People talk about his goals, but I love his intelligence. He links the play, brings others into the game and understands football.
England have enough quality to go all the way. No doubt. The question is not talent. The question is whether they can handle the big moments when the match becomes heavy.
That's what decides World Cups. Not only the beautiful football. The heavy moments.
What have you made of Brazil's start to the tournament, do you think the five-time champions are capable of a sixth this tournament?
Brazil have grown into the tournament. They haven't been perfect, but you don't need to be perfect in the group stage. You need to arrive in the knockouts alive, confident and believing.
People expect Brazil to play beautiful football every game because they are Brazil. But winning a World Cup is different. Sometimes you have to suffer. Sometimes you have to defend. Sometimes you have to win ugly.
If Brazil stay together and Neymar is fit, of course they can win a sixth. You never write Brazil off.
Will Neymar's return to the line-up make a big enough impact for Brazil?
Absolutely. I'm a big Neymar fan and I've never hidden that. People spend too much time talking about everything around Neymar instead of appreciating the footballer.
For me, he is one of the most naturally gifted players I've watched. When Neymar is fit, confident and enjoying himself, Brazil become different. He sees passes other players don't see. He gives you moments you cannot coach.
Brazil are simply stronger when Neymar is on the pitch.
Everybody loves the player who is not playing! The moment Endrick starts, people will complain about somebody else. That's football.
I understand why fans want to see him. He is exciting, he is talented, and people love that. But Carlo Ancelotti sees the players every day. He knows who is ready, who is not ready and what the team needs.
A World Cup is not about making popular decisions. It's about making the right decisions. Endrick's time will come.
Brazil have only made the semi-finals once in the last five tournaments, do you feel they'll miss out again this year? What drastic changes need to be made as we approach the knockout stage for them to reach the final four?
I don't think Brazil needs drastic changes. That's what people always say when they get nervous. World Cups are not won by changing everything overnight.
Brazil needs calm. They need discipline. They need Neymar fit and happy. And they need the whole team to stay together when the difficult moments arrive.
Sometimes the biggest mistake is changing too much because people panic. If Brazil improves with every match, they have every chance to reach the last four.
Manchester United
Is top four United's target again or should they aim higher this season?
When you are Manchester United, you don't start the season dreaming about finishing fourth. Come on. That is not the standard Sir Alex Ferguson built into the club.
Of course you have to be realistic because the Premier League is tough. But the ambition has to be trophies. If top four becomes the dream, then we have a problem.
Top four can be a step. It can be a consequence of progress. But it should never be the limit of Manchester United.
There's been a variety of managerial changes amongst the top six, do you think this will help Carrick establish United as a title contender?
I like what Michael Carrick is doing. He knows Manchester United because he lived it. He knows the standards, the history and what that dressing room should feel like.
Other clubs changing managers can help a little, maybe. But Manchester United should never build ambition around other clubs being unstable. United have to build their own stability.
Michael is calm, intelligent and respected. If the club stays behind him and the players buy into his ideas, United can compete with anyone.
Carrick has left the door open for Rashford's return to Old Trafford, but would it be worth having him return?
Marcus Rashford is a Manchester United boy. You don't erase everything he has done for the club because he had a difficult period.
If he comes back hungry, ready to fight and ready to prove people wrong, of course I welcome him back. But nobody gets favours because they grew up at the club.
At Manchester United, the shirt has to be earned every day. If Marcus accepts that, the door can be open.
If Rashford shouldn't return, where should he go? Arsenal? Chelsea? PSG?
For Marcus, it shouldn't be about the biggest badge. It should be about the right project.
He needs a place where the manager trusts him, where he plays regularly and where he feels loved but also challenged. When Marcus plays with confidence and a smile, we all know what he can do.
So I wouldn't choose Arsenal, Chelsea or PSG just for the name. I would choose the environment that helps him become the best version of himself again.
You've been a fierce supporter of Harry Maguire over the years. Should he have been in England's World Cup squad?
Yes, I think Harry Maguire deserved to be there. I've defended him because I think he has been judged differently to a lot of players.
Has he made mistakes? Of course. Every defender makes mistakes. But with Harry, every mistake became a headline, while other players got more protection.
He has experience, personality and he knows tournament football. In a World Cup squad, those things matter. You don't throw that away.
Ederson is all but signed at United, do you think he'll thrive under Michael Carrick's guidance at Old Trafford?
Old Trafford is different. Talent alone is not enough. Every touch is judged. Every mistake is bigger. That's the reality of playing for Manchester United.
If Ederson arrives, I like the midfield profile: energy, physicality, duels, intensity. But the Premier League will test him every week, and the Manchester United shirt will test him even more.
Carrick can help him because Michael is calm and understands the game. But the player has to listen, work and accept the demands. At United, ability gets you through the door. Character keeps you there.
You've spoken about the importance of leaders in the dressing room, how much of a void will Casemiro leave? Would players like Mateus Fernandes, Elliot Anderson or Aurelien Tchouameni be ideal replacements?
Replacing Casemiro is not just replacing a midfielder. It's replacing a man who has won everything and understands pressure. That's different.
People see tackles, passes and goals. They don't see who speaks in the dressing room, who calms people down, who demands more in training. That is what you miss when a player like Casemiro leaves.
On the names mentioned, you have to be careful because the market moves quickly. Anderson and Mateus look like they are going elsewhere, so I wouldn't sell dreams to United fans. Tchouameni is the profile I like: balance, calm, intelligence and already used to pressure. But whoever comes in cannot try to be Casemiro. He has to write his own story and show he can carry that shirt.
There are rumours Carrick is looking to sign a left-back, a left-winger and one other central midfielder. If you were in his position, who would you target?
I don't like throwing names everywhere because people think football is like a video game. It isn't.
If I'm Michael Carrick, I look for profiles. A left-back who can defend one-v-one and still be brave on the ball. A winger who takes responsibility but also works when he doesn't have the ball. A midfielder who gives control, balance and courage.
United need talent, yes, but they need character even more. Not every good player can wear that shirt.
It's rumoured that United have enquired about West Ham's Crysencio Summerville for the left-wing spot. Do you think this would be a good signing? If not, who else would you sign instead?
I like Summerville. He is direct, fearless and he wants to take defenders on. Manchester United fans always appreciate brave players.
But playing for United is different. Every week people expect you to make the difference. The question is not only quality. The question is whether he enjoys that pressure or whether it becomes too heavy.
If Carrick believes he has the right character as well as the talent, I trust that. But the profile is clear: United need a winger who is brave, works hard and wants responsibility.
Which United player is under the most pressure headed into next season? Benjamin Sesko?
Benjamin Sesko will be under pressure because he is a striker at Manchester United. That's normal. People expect goals from day one.
But don't make him feel like he has to save the club by himself. That's unfair. The senior players have to help him, protect him and take responsibility too.
For me, the pressure is on the whole dressing room. United get back to the top when everybody raises their level, not when one young striker is asked to carry everything.
The club has recently announced an All or Nothing documentary for next season. How much of a distraction is this to the players and are you excited to see how your former teammate Carrick commands the dressing room?
It depends on the dressing room. If the players are focused, the cameras become background noise. If you're already distracted, the cameras make it worse.
I think highly of Michael Carrick. I know what he was like as a teammate: calm, intelligent, never someone who needed to shout to show authority. From what I hear, the players like him and respect the way he works. That is important.
But the dressing room is sacred. A documentary can be interesting for the fans, but the cameras can never become bigger than the football.
Paul Pogba recently said that if Arsenal could win the Premier League then so can United, do you agree?
I understand exactly what Paul means. Manchester United should never believe they are too far away. This club was not built to accept second place.
But belief without action is just talking. You don't become champions because you say the right sentence in an interview. You become champions because you work every day, build the right habits and perform when the pressure is highest.
If Arsenal can rebuild and compete again, of course United can. But now United have to prove it on the pitch.
If you were the United manager, would you accept Onana returning as a back-up choice to Senne Lammens or could it disrupt things in the dressing room with Onana an experienced starter?
With Andre Onana set to go back out on loan, that probably tells you the answer. Sometimes the best decision is the one that avoids unnecessary noise.
Goalkeepers are different. Only one plays. If Lammens is the number one, he needs clarity and protection, not a situation where every mistake becomes a debate about another goalkeeper.
I respect Onana, and every player wants to play. But if United want stability and Andre wants minutes, another loan can make sense for everybody. The dressing room needs clarity, not confusion.
Rising Talents and Transfers
Michael Olise is rumoured to be attracting a lot of attention from clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Real Madrid and PSG following a standout season, do you think he'll leave Bayern Munich?
No, I wouldn't rush. Bayern Munich is already one of the biggest clubs in the world. If Michael is playing, improving and feeling trusted, why would he be desperate to leave?
Of course, when Real Madrid, PSG, Arsenal, Chelsea or Liverpool call, you listen. You're not stupid. But you don't move just because the phone rings.
He has to think about his football first. Stability can be the smartest decision. I would stay, keep building and become even more important at Bayern.
Bradley Barcola is attracting a lot of interest from clubs all over the world, Arsenal and Liverpool are looking at him. If you were him, where would you go or would you stay at Paris Saint Germain and try to break into the first eleven?
If PSG believe in him and there is a real path, I would stay and fight. Competition makes you better. If you want to become one of the best, you can't run away every time another great player arrives.
But there has to be honesty. Bradley is at an important age. He needs minutes, trust and a clear role. If he is not going to get that, then he has to look at the right project.
If I was him, I would back myself at PSG first. But the decision has to be about football, not emotion.
Manu Kone is another that's been targeted by Arsenal, how do you think he'll perform in the Premier League should the move go ahead?
I like Manu Kone's profile for the Premier League. He has energy, he carries the ball, he likes duels and he works for the team. Those things matter in England.
The Premier League is faster. You don't get time to breathe. So the important thing is adaptation. Don't judge him after five games.
If he goes to Arsenal with a manager who knows how to use him, I think he can do well. He has the tools. Then it is about consistency.
Jean-Philippe Mateta had a solid season at Crystal Palace, do you think he's ready for the step-up to a bigger club, with the likes of Juventus, Manchester United and Newcastle United monitoring him?
Jean-Philippe Mateta has earned the right to be talked about. I like strikers who work for the team as much as they work for themselves, and he does that.
He has improved, and improvement like that doesn't happen by accident. If a bigger opportunity comes, why not? But the next step has to be the right one, not just the biggest one.
Juventus, Manchester United and Newcastle are all big clubs. The question is where the football suits him and where he will be trusted. The best move is not always the loudest move. It's the one that helps you keep growing.
