Louis Saha Exclusive Interview: Ronaldo, Rashford, France & Man Utd

Speaking exclusively with Casinolyze, former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has given his thoughts on the World Cup, Premier League, summer transfer window and more.

The former France international has stated that his nation have the best squad in the history of international football and explained why Cristiano Ronaldo has to be managed carefully.

Saha has also slammed hydration breaks and told Man Utd not to sell Marcus Rashford to Arsenal while urging them to bring in Yan Diomande, Bradley Barcola and Sander Berge.

Reaction to France vs Senegal? Did the game go how you expected in France’s World Cup opener?

“I think in the first half you could see that France had heavy legs, they hadn't sorted out the kind of roles that they needed to do on the pitch. So some of those plays were predictable and a bit too slow.

“I think Senegal were very strong and he needed some changes in the second half. I think the repositioning of Michael Olise in midfield and Ousmane Dembele on the right rebalanced the power correctly. And we have seen the talent of Olise, Kylian Mbappé, and the bench. So it's a very strong result.

“And especially at the start of a tournament, normally France are not the best starters because they tend to really manage the preparation and the physicality for a long-term tournament, especially in this format. So, definitely a good result for France yesterday.”

Is this France squad the best in the history of the World Cup for any nation?

“This is the best squad the World Cup has ever seen, I think it's simple. You can see, especially up top, three or four potential Ballon d'Or winners. You can easily name those guys, Michael Olise, and I think Kylian Mbappe has always been in that conversation. 

“Ousmane Dembele is obviously one. And you can see that at some point, Desire Doue  and Rayan Cherki, it's unbelievable. 

“So going forward, it is very, very strong. We have on the bench some players like Bradley Barcola and N'Golo Kanté, the defence is quite strong. Maybe the fullbacks are slightly behind, but they will get there.

“The squad is very strong. Tchouaméni in midfield as well. I think when you look at the dynamic of the game, you can see when they accelerate with the amount of talent that they have, they can hurt anybody. 
“That's for sure. The problem they have is the problem of their quality. Because they are so talented, sometimes they just think that talent will shine. We have seen it with Kylian Mbappé, I think at some point he's very confident, even after a horrible first half.

“It was very difficult for him, but he has this kind of talent and belief. When things are difficult as a team, he has that kind of rhythm to say, ;I am confident, I'm fine,’ and he waits for the opportunity to happen. 

“Sometimes it should be more about that foundation where it's the rhythm of the team and not individuals. When they tend to rely on individuals, it's dangerous because it's an invitation for the opposition to accelerate. 

“But if they find their rhythm, France are the favourites."

From what you have seen so far, who will be the biggest threats to France in this tournament?

“Despite the draw, Spain dominated the game and showed a lot of quality. I'm not sure you can judge a team in the World Cup on the first game because the aim is not to impress in the first game, it's to be there in the last game. 

“Those teams know how to do it now. France, obviously, and England I'm sure they will be in that conversation. Germany has shown strength from this game, it's good for their spirit and good for their confidence. 

“When a team starts well, you start believing that you can fly and do amazing things. But at the end, the depth of the squad matters.

“The best squad and the most depth is France, that's for sure. It's good to see Spain, but they have to do maybe a bit more than just rely on Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.

“But there is a quality foundation in that football, that's for sure. Sometimes it could be boring because there's a lot of passing and stuff, but I do think the World Cup will show a bit more definition in the latter stages.”

Has Kylian Mbappe been seriously disrespected?

“Kylian Mbappe hasn’t been disrespected, that's his reality. I think he has to face that for some reason because of his strong personality. People don't like that. 

“So it does provide this kind of animosity where people tend to always be critical or harsher. And when they do it, it provides extra motivation to that guy to prove people wrong. 

“There is this kind of energy between fans or media and Kylian Mbappé that sometimes isn’t nice to see, but at the same time, it's a lot of love and expectation. It's very strange. 

“You could score 41 goals for your club and be under pressure because your performance doesn't bring a trophy to your club. It's extremely paradoxical, but that's what he's going to have to face because he's the kind of player that demands responsibility and craves that. 

“When things are not going well, people tend to go harsher and harsher on him. But every time you look at his numbers, he's incredible.

“It's not just about scoring goals or having assists on your pedigree. It's about trophies. It's about making people gel in a team, not just playing for you. That's the kind of step he needs to catch up, not in terms of numbers, because he's already out there. He's only two goals away from breaking the record of Miroslav Klose, and Lionel Messi is out there as well.

“But he's going to have one or two more World Cups. He's going to have many more Champions League games to play, and he's already on terrific numbers. I understand the pressure, but that's part of his career, and I respect him a lot.

“I do think that he's an extremely courageous player and man, smart, and for that reason, people don't like it because they see someone who is younger, smarter, and more talented. 

“It's just jealousy, as simple as that. Many crave to be like him, I would have loved to have had one-tenth of his career.”

Prediction for France vs Iraq?

“Mentally, France need to be very strong against Iraq. I heard an interview from N'Golo Kanté, it's all about them. They have to be concentrated and confident. 

“At the same time, they have to go game by game and understand the specific challenges that Iraq is going to bring. Senegal was a different game, and Iraq is going to provide some surprises, because their rhythm in the first half against Norway was quite decent. 

“They may have crumbled in the second half, but I think in the World Cup you can be surprised by many elements. You have to always be concentrated on the different formats, even during the game, because of the stop-and-start nature of it.

“That can kill the rhythm. So I think that's what happened with Iraq against Norway, because when I watched the first half I saw that it was balanced and Iraq was playing well. So yeah, it's a very strange tournament because of the format and all these external factors.

“Regarding the break itself, I don't like the format, to be honest, I think it provides too many changes.”

Prediction for France vs Norway?

“I think some players will be rested, but when you look at the opportunity to reduce the amount of travelling in the next stage, I think it's extremely important that France pick up that first spot. 

“Even if Norway has a bad result in the second game, you could imagine France trying to have a little bit of a turnover, but I think it's going to be very important because this 48-team format means many more games to play and you have to be able to manage your group.

“Even with the breaks, it's a long way for certain teams. They have to travel thousands and thousands of kilometres, and that's not good for the body. 

“I do think that if France have the opportunity to finish first, they remain in the area of Boston and New York. That would be a big factor at the end of the tournament if you go that far.”

Did Harry Maguire’s reaction to his England snub cost him a spot in the squad following the injury?

“Harry Maguire is a big figure. He has had two, if not three, great tournaments with England. So I totally understand his reaction because you want to play and help your country. 

“But that's the decision of the manager. He made a decision, he explained it, and while the player might not think he's right, that's part of the game.

“You're not the manager, so you have to accept it. This World Cup obviously is a dream for every player, so I totally get it. That's the challenge for the manager, to find the right balance and see how players will react and build the kind of spirit needed to go all the way. 

“It's not easy. Everyone is capable of having an opinion, but making the right decision is super hard when you have 26 players, 26 egos, and 26 different career paths. It's not easy to have the right balance.”

Will England be a lesser team if Kobbie Mainoo is on the bench for the whole tournament?

“Kobbie Mainoo can have a huge role as this tournament goes on. He is very composed and has really strengthened his game. I think with England, especially during the last tournament where he was involved, he showed that composure but also the ability to bring the ball forward. 

“I do think that in so many ways he still can improve. That's why when you are not starting, it's just because you haven't shown enough yet.

“Coming back to the manager again, he's trying to find a balance. I understand the question because Mainoo is a bit more forward-thinking and has more creativity. 

“In that squad, Harry Kane needs this kind of creativity and mobility around him, and that's going to be very important for England. Having strength in midfield is good for balance, but sometimes it's a bit too predictable. I do think that throughout the tournament there will be changes.

“The tournament will ask the England team to go out of their comfort zone. It's extremely important.”

Is mastering the hydration breaks going to be the key for any team winning this World Cup? Are they having too much of an impact ruining the flow?

“Hydration breaks? I don't like it. I think it's part of our game that we have to play under duress and make decisions under duress. This kind of rhythm is a killer for teams that have momentum.

“It's worse than when players go down on the floor to waste time. It's way worse.

“Having three minutes to reset, even for the body, is terrible for me. It's not football. And especially when you know it's for commercial reasons, most of it, I think it's just a bad sign for football. 

“I'm being honest, I think those kinds of decisions are completely commercially based and justified by ‘player fitness’ or ‘protection.’ I don't like those lies. That's it.”

Cristiano Ronaldo will want to play every single minute for Portugal, does he almost have to be saved from himself in that sense?

“Cristiano Ronaldo needs to be saved from himself, because Cristiano is always going to be in competition with Haaland, Mbappé, and Messi. He wants to play every minute to break records, that's his mentality and we understand that. 

“But I think he also understands that Portugal needs a high tempo. They want to press and have the energy level at the very top, that will involve making changes.

“Sometimes he has provided a solution for that. His fitness seems to be high, he has worked really hard for those moments and I trust him to react the right way. But he will find that during some games, it will feel hard for him.

“Obviously, momentum of games is key. Even a younger version like Kylian Mbappé found that the first half was really poor and he wasn't good physically.

“He was making wrong choices, but in the second half the talent was there. That's basically what Cristiano can do. The focus on him is hard for the manager. 

“Sometimes he will have to answer unnecessary questions and sometimes you will have to bench Cristiano to allow him to go all the way in this competition.”

Is it now time for Bruno Fernandes to be the star for Portugal instead of Cristiano Ronaldo?

“I would not be surprised if you see a version of Cristiano Ronaldo that is really at the service of his national team and Bruno Fernandes. He understands the balance because he's not crazy.

“Yes, he can think he's an alien or a different kind of animal, but he's a smart lad. He will understand that he has to use the strength and confidence of his teammates to be successful.

“He will have to balance what he wants with what the national team needs. I think he's smart enough because he has seen the critics and he knows how people tend to focus on him, his fitness, and how he helps Portugal. 

“Many are saying they need to put him on the bench, otherwise they have no chance. He understands where that's coming from. Sometimes it's jealousy, but sometimes it's because the World Cup is demanding and he will have to be smart in how he manages that. I think he understands those parameters.”

If Cristiano Ronaldo wins the World Cup, will his career be on a par with Lionel Messi’s career? If Messi wins, is it over?

“I think starting like this with a hat-trick for Messi puts Cristiano under pressure. But the tournament is very, very long, so while it's a nice start for Messi, there is always this conversation and comparison. 

“The ego of those players is a beautiful part of our game; it's what we want to see. Rivalry is key to see how Cristiano responds. I just love that. 

“I think the fair outcome would be for Cristiano Ronaldo to win the World Cup to leave the debate between Messi and Ronaldo unanswered.

“That's going to be beautiful for every fan. Fans of Messi and fans of Cristiano, no one wins, no one loses. It would be best for football.”

Should Man Utd hijack Liverpool’s interest in Yan Diomande?

“Man Utd should hijack Liverpool’s interest in Yan Diomande, definitely. This type of winger now dominates football. When you have that confidence and simplicity in your game, to dribble, pass, be physical, and be courageous, I love that.

“Those styles are amazing. I think Diomande had a great opening game, and it's been a year with Leipzig where he's done really well. 

“I am pleased to see that kind of career because it was not easy starting in the US and now being a superstar. I think he can be a superstar like Lamine Yamal.

“Those guys, I remember in 2006, Franck Ribéry, I found out about him only a few months before joining the camp and he shined in that World Cup with his brilliance and his innocence. I love that.”

How many games will we need next season to see if Michael Carrick has Man Utd in title contention?

“I think you will know by the end of August if Man Utd are in the title race. To be honest, it will be vital to have a very strong transfer market before the end of July. 

“It's a good indication if we sign players early so that Carrick can start with a full squad that understands how they are to play.

“They need to improve the foundation because it's going to be a long season with Champions League games. You need a strong squad and people with experience. 

“We lost Casemiro in midfield, so we definitely need players that make sense. They can be judged after five or ten games, but it starts with this transfer market. So we will know straight away where we are.”

Should Man Utd sell Marcus Rashford at all costs this summer?

“I think Man Utd should be done with Marcus Rashford. His head is not there to come back because it would be a kind of failure. He's done enough at Barcelona, for sure, but not enough to actually be ahead of Gordon in a way that only Deco can answer. 

“They haven't visualized him as the priority because there is an element of his game where they couldn't see him filling the gap. I'm unsure of what. I really do rate Rashford's season.

“He was linked to Barcelona, but Deco has seen it differently. Maybe Gordon is younger and can play that number nine role, but I don't think going back to United is going to be helpful for anyone. Even with his huge talent, there will be difficult conversations when he isn't playing well.

“There are moments in his game where he doesn't know if he has to defend or not, and those factors play against him. It's like going back to your ex, I don't think that works really well.”

Should Manchester United consider selling Marcus Rashford to Arsenal?

“For me, selling Marcus Rashford to Arsenal is a complete no-go. I wouldn't give any strength to the reigning Premier League champion.

“Look at Robin van Persie coming to United and helping them win the league. There's no good in those kinds of deals for the selling club. You have Rashford, who went to Barcelona and they won La Liga. He was a massive asset. 

“I think that giving a discount on assets to your rival for the Premier League is stupidity. I consider Rashford a real danger for anyone who wants to compete in the league. 

“If this guy is in form, he's able to score 20-25 goals. So no, don't give that power to somebody you consider a rival.”

Harry Maguire could be allowed to leave Manchester United this summer, is the time right?

“It's time to consider if Harry Maguire should move on. I always come back to those moments where his career was under a lot of pressure, critics were coming from left, right, and centre internationally. 
“He has done really well to still be in that conversation. He's still a leader and a real asset, able to help us get back into the Champions League as an experienced player. I can still see him having a massive role.

“But in a personal way, looking for another challenge at the end of his career is something I can imagine as well. I do think United is still looking for a center-back. We have difficulty having center-backs that aren't injured.

“We need that. Look at Arsenal, William Saliba is extremely important, and when he missed a few games, they missed out on winning the title because he wasn't there. This year he's been a rock. United need a rock-solid defence.

“We need someone who can play three-quarters of the games and help youngsters like Heaven and Yoro get better at leadership.”

Joshua Zirkzee is set to leave Man Utd, could he be a success at a team like Everton?

“I can see the quality of Joshua Zirkzee. He hasn't found the right match in terms of style of play yet. We were in need of a number nine, someone a bit more lethal in the final third.

“He's proved to be a good link-up player with good technique, and I think he is a terrific lad because he wants to work hard and help his team, it's not about him and his ego. 

“I really like this profile. I still think he could do something at United. He needs a couple of goals and a bit more of an aggressive approach in his attitude. That would really help him.

“You can have that at other teams like Everton, who are trying to be at that level. I think they have two strikers with a similar profile in Beto and Barry. Having Zirkzee with a different style could help them a lot.

“But yeah, I think it's a shame he came into the club when the team was not ready and not performing. He lost the opportunity to grow with the right people around him. I hope that next season, after a full preseason, he can prove people wrong.”

Are Man Utd right to step back from the Elliot Anderson deal at £130million?

“The Elliot Anderson fee, it reminds you of the Declan Rice transfer where they had to consider breaking the bank. It seems Rice was a good choice because you don't often find those kinds of midfielders who can dictate the Premier League every year. 

“The conversation is out there because if Man City is considering putting up that kind of money, it's because the player has potential. We have made mistakes in the past, United are well known for record-breaking signings.

“It was Rio Ferdinand and others, but it was always the case. We are the biggest club in the world, so if you want the best midfielders, you have to pay the highest price. The same for strikers. We missed Harry Kane for £100m because people thought it wasn't a good investment – absolutely one of the biggest mistakes of the century.

“I think when many people identify a player and a price tag for a midfielder or striker, they tend to be right.”

Manchester United may also move for Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangare, 23, would he be a hidden gem for a signing?

“Can Mamadou Sangare be a success in the Premier League? That's always the question. You have to think about how they will adapt. Potential sometimes isn't enough, it's the context around how you can improve. 

“You have seen Chelsea's strategy of bringing in talented players from France and elsewhere. Depending on the manager and who is next to you, you are not the same player. 

“The Premier League is always a challenge for any player coming from abroad. You have to look at it closely, and it's not an easy decision. The player is good and has a lot of potential, but it comes with a risk.”

There has been an unexpected link between Man Utd and Sander Berge, would you be a fan of that move? 

“I'm a big fan of Sander Berge. I think his composure is top notch. You can see a very stable midfield at Fulham because Fulham has provided a guarantee that you're going to face a team with the right balance to upset you. I think he was one of the reasons for that. 

“So, I totally understand why people are watching him as a potential step up to Man Utd. I think there is a lot of potential in him because he is forward-thinking but in a very balanced way.

“I really like him, a bit like Palhinha, but a bit more technically gifted. It's a very interesting profile. I think he’d be an asset to Man Utd.”

Arsenal and Liverpool among Bradley Barcola suitors, would you love to see him at Old Trafford?

“Bradley Barcola would be a dream signing at Man Utd because he's a very direct player. I have seen an improvement in his mentality. He has won Champions Leagues in a row, he has that confidence and experience.

“At a very young age, he's full of energy. You see, it's not easy to come on as a substitute and be a danger, but he's capable of dribbling, taking the ball and turning you, and he also has fantastic balance.

“It's almost a better balance than Desire Doué. Doué is very gifted and can run 15km in a game, but he doesn't go behind defenders. I think you saw that with the goal against Senegal, Barcola has the right balance and makes great runs. 

“In the Premier League, that is impossible to defend. I really like wingers who are humble enough to threaten the back line with those movements.

“I think he's a terrific player for a squad in the Champions League. He's the type of player that's always going to help.”

Should Man Utd go and get Sander Berge and Bradley Barcola instead of Elliot Anderson?

“I’d be in favour of getting Sander Berge and Bradley Barcola instead of Elliot Anderson. There are profiles that cost a lot of money and you have to balance that with your budget. I consider these transfer markets harder than ten years ago because you don't have many no-risk choices. 

“We talk about names where I don't think the player is proven, yet they have £100 million price tags, like Elliot Anderson. It's a big gamble. Spending £30 million for Rio Ferdinand was normal because he was the best defender in the world.

“You go and pick those players who have scored 30 goals in a season, like Van Persie or Harry Kane. You do those deals. But the other names, without disrespect, are not guarantees. They are not world-class players yet, but the price tag is still in that range.”

What did you make of the links between Robert Lewandowski and Man Utd? 

“Robert Lewandowski to Man Utd? It's a tough one because I really like the player. I think he should have won the Ballon d'Or.

“Every football fan knows he's someone who can easily bring 20 to 25 goals without any effort in the Premier League, because he has that talent and an eye for goal. Yes, last year was a bit more difficult for him, but you can't lose that class.

“Lewandowski is one of those players, so I think it would be a great move. The only thing I see is that he has a similar style to Benjamin Sesko. It would be a question of how Sesko learns from him to become a better player.

“That's something I think is important. We have asked in the past for youngsters to learn from more experienced players, so it makes sense. It's just about the amount of games Sesko would play, as Lewandowski would want to play every game. 

“I think it could be a smart move. The mistake United made in the past was putting all the pressure on young players who were only 20 or 21. It's the worst mistake you can make.

“The ultimate responsibility to put the ball in the back of the net after all the hard work, the tackles, the passing, the crossing, falls on them. If those guys don't finish, it's extremely hard. I think having that responsibility on the shoulders of someone experienced is way better.”

Will some Man Utd players be unhappy with the upcoming Amazon Prime series? Would Roy Keane have been a fan?

“In 2006 or 2007, Rio started making videos and nobody understood what he was filming. He was filming behind-the-scenes things and we were really surprised, but he was just ahead of his time. 

“Now we live in an era where people crave that access. United, being the biggest club in the world commercially, is always at the center of that.

“Even when they aren't winning the Champions League, they still generate revenue. You can imagine how this series could take them to another level, explaining the story and the project to redevelop the club. 

“I understand the deal behind it. But I also understand that we like the mystery that brings a special element to a club. This is a different era, some will like it and some will dislike it. It depends on the final cut, and I hope United has a say.

“Would Roy Keane have liked it? Of course not, because he's from a different era. This is a new era.

“Players like myself might have been shy or uncomfortable. But those guys now were born with it, for someone born in 2000, it's totally normal. It's not the same for someone born in the '70s or '80s.

“We don't have the same rules. If everything stayed the same as it was 20 years ago, that wouldn't be great for society. We have to live with the changes and accept them. 

“These young players have to be helped to perform because, at the end of the day, it's entertainment.”

What do you think of Ruben Amorim heading to AC Milan? Is that much less pressure for him?

“I don't think there will be as much pressure at Milan for Ruben Amorim as there was at United. With all respect to Milan, United is an international giant and people tend to underestimate that. 

“Some said Ruben Amorim's style struggled at United but I don't totally agree with that. I think he helped Carrick and cleaned up a lot of things before Michael Carrick arrived. If you remember, I don't think he was sacked because of performances, something else happened behind the scenes. Then Carrick improved on what Amorim had done before.

“I think the AC Milan board has recognized that. With all respect to the task, I think it's going to be easier because Milan is not the same club it was 10 or 15 years ago.”

Could Andy Robertson be named Spurs captain for his debut season?

“I’d like to see Andy Robertson as Spurs captain, because when you make those transfers it's important that he is allowed to bring his experience and credibility. This is about the transfer of information. 

“He's a great player and very reliable, but he also brings knowledge of how Klopp did things at Liverpool. He's been involved in the development of Liverpool. I remember Harry Redknapp was asking a lot of questions about how United did things when I was there.

“I think it's a great opportunity for Tottenham to get that information. They need to understand how to avoid the situation they were in last year. The club should be at least in the top half of the table and looking at competing for the Champions League.”

With the right signings, can David Moyes get this Everton side into the Champions League? Might that promise keen Iliman N’Diaye at the club?

“Everton in Champions League contention? I'm very confident. I love what David Moyes has done. He has regenerated the connection between the fans and the players. The team itself still needs to improve a lot, and he's done well with his squad. But the midfield power isn't matched with creativity, and the creativity is not matched with finishing. 

“Those parameters are important if you want to reach the European spots. Defensively they have made massive improvements, but they still need better results in both boxes. I think it was much better, especially at home. These are elements to build on for next year.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been linked to the Ipswich job, how do you think he’d get on with the promoted side?

“Ole Gunnar Solskjaer deserves another chance in the Premier League. He's a top guy and I think he did a good job at Manchester United. Some periods were really good to watch, and others were difficult to manage with the personalities involved, because the foundation was unstable. 

“Now, having a new start with a new club like Ipswich, I think he will have improved over the last three years. I think that's exciting for him and for them.”

Alvaro Arbeloa is set to take over at your former club in Fulham, how do you think he might get on?

“It’s a surprising name, Alvaro Arbeloa, but you have to respect his pedigree. He was of course a Real Madrid player and he became their manager, he gained a lot of credibility because he had to manage a lot of huge names with big egos and there were good results there.

“He will look to bring that knowledge to Fulham, Fulham want to improve and they want to do that by bringing someone in with that experience. 

“I can understand it, but at the same time I’m annoyed that Fulham haven’t given a chance to Luis Boa Morte, who has done so much for the club as a player and a coach. I’m surprised that they didn’t consider him. 

“He is so passionate and I think he deserves a chance, plus he has so much knowledge of the Premier League.”