Eduardo Camavinga, who played a leading role in Real Madrid’s Champions League success this season, admitted it was challenging to adjust to a substitute role at Euro 2024 in Germany.
Despite his regular appearances for his club, the 21-year-old midfielder has only played 48 minutes so far, making cameo appearances against Austria and Poland in their group games.
“This outcome isn’t ideal for me. It’s not particularly satisfying to not play much,” Camavinga expressed during a Saturday press conference. “However, I understand that my opportunity will come sooner or later. You have to stay prepared, as I was at the World Cup when the coach called on me to enter the final.”
France, highly favored but unexpectedly not topping their group, will next take on Belgium in the round-of-16 clash in Duesseldorf on Monday. Camavinga’s former teammate Jeremy Doku will be lining up against him in this match.
“I played with Jeremy at Rennes,” Camavinga remarked. “It’s challenging to defend against him; he’s explosive and aggressive.”
However, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is absent following a fallout with Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco last year.
