As France prepares for their European Championships opener against Austria on Monday evening, central defender Ibrahima Konaté discussed his growing role with Les Bleus in an interview with Le Monde, where he aims for a starting position.

Having received his first call-up to the French national team in June 2022, Konaté (15 caps) has quickly made a name for himself as a reliable central defender, ready to step into the void left by Raphaël Varane’s retirement from international play in early 2023. The 25-year-old Liverpool player radiates enthusiasm and positivity, often seen with a broad smile, even after spending much of his club season on the bench. In an interview on May 31, before the announcement of new elections in France—on which he has not yet publicly commented—he expressed confidence ahead of Les Bleus’ Euro 2024 opener against Austria in Düsseldorf on June 17.