Saël Kumbedi France national team call-up, Digi Mart USA News: Saël Kumbedi had not expected to join the senior team, but he has received a call-up that is both unexpected and historic. The Wolfsburg right-back, who plays in Germany’s second division, has become the first second-division player called up by Les Bleus since David Trezeguet in 2007.
Kumbedi himself found the situation amusing. “I read things, like that it’s historic…
The last one, I think, was David Trezeguet!” he said. The 21-year-old defender had been preparing to join the Espoirs, the French under-21 squad, and said his reaction to the phone call was disbelief: “I got the call and I thought, ‘Damn, is this really real?'”
Now training with the senior players, Kumbedi says he intends to use the opportunity to show what he can do without being intimidated by the step up. “Pressure?
Oh no, zero. I’m just happy.
This is the highest level compared with the Espoirs. Still, I’ve already played against most of these players.
I’m happy to be here, but I’m not like a kid at Disney,” he explained.
He described what he hoped to bring to the group. “My qualities: showing that I defend well, first, and then my offensive contribution, which is one of my strengths.
I’m motivated to be here. The coach and the staff just told me to enjoy the moment as much as possible and to play my game.” The message, he said, has gotten through.
