Didier Deschamps is a happy man. His men fully succeeded in their entry into the World Cup in Qatar by largely beating Australia (4-1), with a double from Olivier Giroud who joined Thierry Henry in the number of goals scored in the selection (51). Almost a perfect evening, without the injury of Lucas Hernandez. The coach gave his comments at a press conference.
What is your analysis of the meeting and do you have any news from Lucas Hernandez?
DIDIER DESCHAMPS. We had started the first minutes well but we took this avoidable goal. The team reacted well by equalizing, taking the advantage even if there is still a scare at the end of the first period. In the second, there was more control. We forced them to defend. Scoring four goals is good. It’s a very good start for us. The first game is important, it’s a decisive step. Congratulations to my group for having answered present, certainly in difficulty because we were led but it is a performance of a good level, especially when we see the other matches before. As for Lucas, we are awaiting results but I think it will be quite serious.
And Olivier Giroud equaled the record. Was he thinking about it?
It has no weight. Beyond the records, it’s what he does on the pitch, his efficiency. It is an important asset in the offensive animation and the life of the group.
Can the first 25 minutes be a founding element for your team? Did you talk about the Saudis before the match, who beat Argentina?
It’s not just the Saudis. They also watch the games. There is an adversary who is there. Lucas’ injury may have been psychologically conditioning. On the goal, we must do better. There are younger players too. We made a good quality copy.
How do you rate the performance of the hinge?
The hinge is young compared to international experience. They have a little lived together, having played in Leipzig. They were consistent, good in duels, in the use of the ball. They have been solid.
What do you think of Kylian Mbappé’s performance?
Kylian was already among the best strikers in the world before the competition. He is full of confidence, he exudes a lot of strength and serenity. I’ve been talking to him for quite a while. I had no worries because it’s HIS competition. His ability to make differences makes us feel good. If he adds more headers… He is capable of making a difference on his own even if he is part of the collective. So much the better ! In the offensive field, it is very important to have him at this level.
And for Adrien Rabiot?
There was no pressure. There was adrenaline. He has already done very good things with us. He had a very high performance in recent weeks with his club. He’s a balance player, he’s smart, he has the volume, he scores with his head. I even had to brake it at times.
What did you think of your new system?
Everything is perfectible. Antoine Griezmann is there through everything he has done, his technical accuracy, his volume. He finds himself in the middle, it’s not a sacrifice. These are adjustments. If I made this choice, it is to put a team that creates problems for the opponent. We may have been unbalanced because it’s new. When the players are smart, they speak the same football.