Exclusive Interview with Christian Karembeu in Brussels
The French legend and now Olympiacos ambassador spoke with Manos Staramopoulos of Discoveryfootball.com in Belgium about various international football topics
Christian Karembeu is not just a big name in world football — he is a personality who connects different eras of the game. World champion with the French national team in 1998, European champion in 2000 and two-time winner of the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid. He was one of the most complete midfielders of his generation: athletic, witty in his game, with a rare tactical perception. His career began at Nantes, took off at the Italian Sampdoria and culminated in Madrid, with Real Madrid at a time when the “queen” was returning to the top of Europe.
After the end of his playing career, Karembeu naturally moved into the role of ambassador and then sporting director of Olympiacos, contributing to the club’s European strategy and international image. Well-travelled, multilingual and with a deep knowledge of modern football, he remains a voice with authority when he talks about major competitions, top clubs and the new generation of footballers.
In the exclusive interview he gave to Discoveryfootball.com editor-in-chief Manos Staramopoulos at the Cardo Hotel in Brussels, he comments on Olympiacos' new European challenge against Bayer Leverkusen, the World Cup favorites, the UEFA Champions League and the next stars of world football.
DF: How do you see the new meeting with Leverkusen?
R/: We know Bayer Leverkusen and they know us. A short while ago we beat them 2-0 at the “Georgios Karaiskakis” and now they are back on our way. This shows how small the football world is at the highest level. It will be two difficult games, because we are talking about a team with quality, speed and European experience. But we have character and personality. I believe we will qualify.
DF: Who do you consider the favorites for the next World Cup?
R/: In a World Cup, the favorites are almost always the traditional powers. The French national team has incredible depth. The European champion Spanish national team plays excellent football. The English national team, the first European team to secure its qualification to the final phase, expects a lot. The presence of its German coach, Thomas Tuchel (S.S. renewed his contract until 2028) is a guarantee. The Brazilian national team with Carlo Ancelotti in the technical leadership has great quality and experience. And of course the Portuguese national team, which has shown exceptional growth in recent years. It will be a very high-level tournament.
DF: What do you predict for the Champions League?
The Champions League always stars teams with heavy jerseys. Bayern, Liverpool, Arsenal and Barcelona have the quality to go all the way. The trophy holder Paris Saint-Germain now has the experience to manage such situations. Personally, I believe that in football anything is possible — even an Olympiacos - Real Madrid final. Why not?
DF: Who are the new great talents of world football?
R/: There are exceptional children.
Lamine Yamal and
Desiree Doue are great talents. But to say that they are successors of
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi
we should discuss it after years. Duration is what establishes the truly top. Talent is only the beginning — consistency and personality make history.
Manos Staramopoulos
Journalist and Analyst of International Football and Affairs
Chief Editor English Zone of Discoveryfootball.com
Athens (Greece)
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