A new chapter in the relationship between French footballers Manu Koné and Mattéo Guendouzi commenced this week as they met again at Clairefontaine, the training center for the French national team, after their notorious encounter during the Rome derby in January.
During that match on January 5, 2025, tensions flared when a strong tackle by Koné on Guendouzi led to an on-field scuffle, with both players engaging in a heated exchange before being separated by teammates and officials. However, reports indicate that the two players have moved past that incident.
In a recent interview with L'Equipe, Koné addressed the altercation, explaining that it was fueled by the intensity of the derby. "It's the atmosphere of the derby that made us go a bit overboard," he stated, reflecting on how the rivalry often ignites heightened emotions among players. He added, "You know, we talked about that match with Mattéo in all the previous gatherings. We joked even with the coach: 'Hey, the Rome derby is going to be hot!' But then, what happened, happened. I take it with a smile; it's not a good image, but it's just a football match. After all, with Mattéo, we explained everything directly after. I called him, and we resolved it."
Arriving together at Clairefontaine on March 17, 2025, the two players showcased the reconciliation they achieved since the altercation. Their camaraderie seems to have remained intact, as Koné emphasized their mutual respect and understanding, saying both prefer to focus on the future.
Age 23, Koné is not shy about acknowledging his sometimes explosive temperament on the pitch, admitting to being overly passionate during matches, which has occasionally resulted in yellow cards. He noted that even though he plays with great enthusiasm, he understands the importance of remaining composed, especially after feedback from AS Roma's coach, Claudio Ranieri, who has encouraged him to improve his discipline.
"When you are a player who is passionate, there's always a bit of excess engagement,” Koné elaborated. “I have to be more vigilant because it can penalize the team. Ranieri has asked me to be better there. He has taken me out when I received warnings, so I know I need to control it more."
The mutual friendship and respect between Koné and Guendouzi reflect a broader camaraderie among the French national squad. Koné, in his interview, expressed feeling close to everyone in the team, highlighting his history with several teammates, including William Saliba, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Ibrahima Konaté. "Most of the players come from Paris, like me, so we’ve already known each other. I've played with Ibrahima at Paris FC, and we were in the same middle school where he was in 3rd grade, and I was in 5th. He played a bit like he was the older one, but it was all good fun!"
The relationship building and unity within the French squad are especially vital as they prepare to face Croatia in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League on March 20, 2025. With their first leg set to take place in Split and the return fixture at Stade de France on March 23, the team is excited for the challenge ahead.
Overall, as Koné and Guendouzi demonstrate, facing adversity can strengthen bonds, and with this mindset, the French national team aims to move forward as a cohesive unit. Their story of reconciliation serves as a reminder of the human side of sportsmanship, encapsulating the spirit of camaraderie that ultimately helps the group thrive.
