In the midst of a reshaped French national squad, Manu Koné has quietly solidified his position as a dependable figure in Didier Deschamps’ midfield.
Following a commendable performance against Croatia, the Roma midfielder has demonstrated a composed demeanor, suggesting his potential as a mainstay in the team’s core.
This resilience traces back to his formative years in Villeneuve-la-Garenne.
With the Nations League semi-final on the horizon, Koné faced the media alongside Rayan Cherki earlier this week.
When questioned about his evolution within the national team and the influence of his coaches on his confidence, Koné responded assertively: “I have one quality: I have confidence in myself. I don’t need anyone to give me confidence.”
Koné’s self-assuredness was evident during his inaugural start against Belgium.
Despite early missteps, he recalibrated his performance, culminating in ten ball recoveries, eight duels won, and contributing to a 2-0 victory.
Since then, he has consistently featured in the starting lineup, with each appearance reinforcing his value to the team.
In the subsequent quarter-final against Croatia, Deschamps adjusted his strategy, pairing Koné with Aurélien Tchouaméni in a double pivot.
This tactical shift allowed Koné to exhibit his dual capabilities: disrupting opposition plays and initiating forward movements.
His relentless effort was evident, even as he battled cramps after 111 minutes of play.
Koné’s journey has been marked by perseverance.
From enduring lengthy commutes for training sessions to overcoming a severe leg injury during his time at Toulouse’s academy, his dedication has been unwavering.
Reflecting on those challenging times, he shared, “When all the teams were playing away, we were sometimes the only ones sleeping in the center.”
Transitioning to Roma in the summer of 2024, Koné faced a season of managerial changes.
Under Claudio Ranieri’s guidance, he found stability and growth.
Ranieri’s mentorship, delivered in French, provided Koné with tactical insights and positional awareness, further honing his skills.
However, his aggressive playing style has occasionally led to disciplinary issues, including multiple yellow cards and a suspension.
A notable incident occurred during the Rome derby, where a confrontation with compatriot Matteo Guendouzi highlighted his fiery temperament.
Deschamps, drawing parallels with Paul Pogba’s early challenges, remains optimistic about Koné’s maturation.
As France continues its campaign, Koné’s evolution from a promising talent to a reliable midfield presence underscores his significance in the team’s future endeavors.
Manu Kone 🇫🇷 vs Juventus pic.twitter.com/FGLujvwQp7
— ASRomaComps (@roma_comps) April 7, 2025
