Cherki dismisses talk of tension after France’s 4-1 win over Belgium

France beat Belgium 4-1 in the Nations League on Monday. A few minutes after the emphatic victory, Rayan Cherki used his post-match interview to address rumours of tension among the French squad. He had come to discuss a win over a Belgium side described as unsettled by Zinédine Zidane’s successful coaching decisions.

Rumours of a falling-out with Michael Olise were at the centre of the discussion. The day before, Cherki had called the alleged tension with his teammate an “invention”. After the match, he also praised the atmosphere in the group: “I’ve rarely known a group that gets along so well.”

Asked about whether the players shared a genuine bond, he began ironically: “Is there real chemistry? Well, that…” He then focused on the demands of his own game: “I’m in a role that forces me to play complete, clean games; people who really understand football get that,” he said. “I have to be consistent, and you have to be there for the second balls.”

With his message delivered, Cherki could turn his attention back to the game. France’s attacking play was also transformed by the second-half introductions of Michael Olise, Désiré Doué and Lucas Da Cunha, alongside Cherki’s own entry.