Chapter 688 - 10: A Classic Moment! An Unavoidable Pressure Battle! The Knockout Stage Begins! Up Against Italy!

"As for the impact, I don’t think it will be too significant... The team still moved forward, most people will remain proactive in facing the upcoming challenges, and maintain unity."

His latter sentence had a somewhat deeper meaning, prompting several reporters to hint and ask: "But are there a few who aren’t? How will they face the future?"

"Yes, there are some who aren’t."

Deschamps nodded, glanced at Ma’el beside him, then turned away with regret showing on his face, "His European Cup journey is coming to an end. We don’t need such players; only a united team can achieve ultimate victory."

With those words, there was silence at the scene, clearly indicating Deschamps’ signal to drop Benzema.

"Buzz buzz.....!"

Deschamps’ phone vibrated; he intended to ignore it, but seeing it was a call from Legrain, the president of the French Football Federation, he stood up to take the call outside, "Excuse me, I’ll leave the scene to Ma’el for now; he and I are aligned in will."

He cast a trusting glance at Ma’el, who showed no sign of nervousness or worry, sitting upright in front of the microphone.

"Is Benzema leaving? Is this perhaps too hasty a decision?" The reporters weren’t beating around the bush or hinting any longer, directly posing the question.

"Yeah....."

Ma’el adjusted the microphone, contemplated briefly, then countered, "Why would it be hasty? I need to know first why you define it that way."

This reporter had a clear train of thought, promptly spoke out, "Benzema’s departure will certainly cause upheaval, which could leave the team on edge, thereby affecting the entire team’s combat effectiveness."

"If France faces the Czech Republic or Greece in the next round, there might be time to adjust, but you’re facing the championship favorite Italy."

Ma’el nodded and replied straightforwardly, "In terms of affecting the team’s combat power, sometimes a mistake in keeping someone can have a bigger impact than a mistake in letting them go."

"Furthermore, all the opponents in the European Cup are strong; we don’t think Italy and the Czech Republic are significantly different teams, nor do we fear any of them."

"Apart from defeating the opponents that bar the way, we have no choice; it doesn’t matter how powerful they are or what turmoil we are currently experiencing."

These three sentences blocked most reporters’ next questions, as they swiftly took photos of Ma’el’s resolute face, capturing this important moment.

Everyone knew that once a superstar like Benzema leaves the France team, he would inevitably have a falling out with this team.

In the future, whether he wants to rejoin the team or the France team wants to invite him back, it will become extremely difficult!

So, this could be the moment a superstar in his prime gradually drifts away from his destined team, which will surely count as an important moment in football history in the future.

Leon Maerel, this young captain not yet 19 years old, like a judge, clearly announced Benzema’s fate in place of Deschamps.

His presence at such an occasion, making such an important decision with a sense of discordance and disunity, further added a classic feel to the scene.

Some reporters couldn’t help but ask later, "Did Deschamps tell you these words? Or are they your own thoughts? Do you sometimes feel a lack of confidence when saying these things?

"Of course, this isn’t questioning; it’s just that people generally believe young people lack authority, in this regard, youth might actually be your shackle rather than your advantage."

"It’s my own thoughts." Ma’el didn’t evade responsibility; from the moment he chose to stand up and stop Benzema, they were already standing on opposing sides, so he was not worried.

Moreover, standing in the most prominent position as captain, sometimes he needs to attract some firepower; he can’t let Deschamps handle everything, it’s his due responsibility.

He never fears questioning because he always manages to stage a beautiful comeback.

"As for, haha....."

When answering subsequent questions, he couldn’t help but laugh, then continued, "I believe judging whether someone has authority depends on his strength and capabilities in various aspects, whether others are convinced by him."

"So, I don’t see age as my shackle; some born in the ’80s have considerable authority worldwide."

"Youth won’t be a disadvantage in any aspect; it will only be an advantage, merely representing abundant energy and vigor, upward determination, and very beautiful youth."

After saying this, he glimpsed Deschamps standing outside the door, seemingly not intending to come in.

The press conference should be over..... he stood up, picked up Deschamps’ small bag, ready to leave, "Thank you all, see you next time!"

"Snap snap!"

The flashlights flickered crazily again, everyone rushed to record this moment.

Many people felt that Ma’el seemed to have changed somewhat from before, giving a sense of being both flamboyant and steady.

"Ma’el, why does France team always have such events happening?"

"Are you afraid of pressure?"

"How’s Meks? Will you still become friends with Benzema?"

Many continued to scramble to ask questions, Ma’el kept ignoring until a French female reporter shouted: "Ma’el, after this, does the team have hope to go all the way?"

"Absolutely."

He turned around, smiled at her, nodded and said, "We will definitely make it all the way, rest assured!"

Upon walking out the door, Deschamps chuckled and gave him a hug, maybe he wasn’t clumsy himself, but his smile would give people such an impression.

"Well done."

Deschamps had been outside listening all along, then smiled and said: "Why don’t you handle all the future post-match press conferences?"