Adrien Rabiot says France must “stay united” if they are to avoid the failures that saw them crash out of Euro 2020 at the round-of-16 stage.
France went into that tournament as world champions and advanced as group winners from a tricky pool that included both Germany and Portugal.
But their campaign was derailed in stunning fashion, as Switzerland scored two late goals to force extra-time from 3-1 down.
Kylian Mbappe then missed the crucial penalty in the shootout, as France were knocked out amid rumours of dressing room discontent.
Rabiot’s family were reportedly involved in dissension too, with his mother allegedly clashing with the relatives of Paul Pogba and Mbappe after the Switzerland defeat.
Their disappointing tournament sparked memories of France’s spectacular capitulation at the 2010 World Cup, where Les Bleus were blighted by a number of controversial incidents and failed to make it out of the group stage.
Rabiot acknowledged France cannot afford to self-destruct as they have in the past if they are to retain their World Cup crown.
“We have to stay united,” Rabiot told reporters. “[We need to] try to have as few things as possible that interfere with the group.
“It is essential to have a serene climate. We have the potential to do much better than at the Euros.”
The Juventus midfielder was not selected to France’s squad for their 2018 triumph and he wants to make an impression at his first World Cup in Qatar.
“The [2018] World Cup was a big disappointment,” Rabiot explained. “I worked a lot to be there in 2022.
“I take this as a chance and I’m going to be able to express myself.”
France kick off their tournament against Australia on Tuesday, before also facing Denmark and Tunisia in Group D.
Source: Livescore