2023-08-03 02:02:53
What if it’s time to change? Faced with the best watchmakers in the world, Didier Deschamps seems to want to install new cogs. This Saturday, during the Blues’ first training session in Bucharest (Romania), on D-2 of the round of 16 against Switzerland, the coach carried out a life-size test in the small Arc-de-Triomphe stadium, the usual enclosure of the Romanian national rugby team. A set-up that looks like a revolution: a 3-5-2 (or 5-3-2 in the defensive phase). More clearly: a defense with three axial (Kimpembe, Lenglet, Varane), two pistons (Rabiot and Pavard) on the sides, a midfielder with two (Pogba and Kanté) and a trio attack (Mbappé, Benzema, Griezmann).
An option born of a discussion between managers and staff
It is, a priori, the first time since the start of the gathering of this Euro 2021 that the French staff is preparing such a composition. But it would not be a first under the Deschamps era. There is no need to go back so far: in September 2020. In Sweden (1-0) and against Croatia (4-2), this system was put in place. With Upamecano, Lenglet and Hernandez in the first. With Upamecano, Varane and Kimpembe during the second. The return of a three-man defense is the result of a discussion between the managers and the French staff. A new training session scheduled for this Sunday at the National Stadium, the scene of Monday evening’s round of 16, should confirm this strong trend.
It remains to be seen whether the possibility of seeing Lucas Hernandez changes anything. This Saturday, the Bayern Munich side returned to suitable work after the knee contusion suffered Tuesday during France – Portugal (2-2). The left-hander had to give up his place at the break, to Lucas Digne, then injured in turn. Under 31 degrees, the defender ran with Cyril Moine, the physical trainer, all without embarrassment. He has sped up at times and every day shows signs of a player getting closer to remission.
Lucas Hernandez, yes, but in what position?
Seeing him on the lawn on Monday would therefore no longer be a surprise. But what position? Deschamps will have two options: fielding the same team that won Germany at the start of the Euro (1-0), with a four-man defense; or establish Lucas Hernandez in the axis, rather than Clément Lenglet, who has not yet played a minute in the competition. Seeing the former Atlético de Madrid on the left side is also possible, but it would take Adrien Rabiot and his ability to strike off the pitch.
By being three behind, the players would feel more solid and entrusted it to Deschamps. The system would have another advantage: that of releasing the attacking trio, author of a mixed Euro so far. We saw it against Germany and Hungary, when Griezmann starts on the right side, he touches too few balls and his influence in the game is reduced. The relationship between midfield and attack also lacks fluidity. This tactical scheme would offer Pavard and Rabiot great freedom of movement in the corridors. He would also give an axial position to Griezmann in front of Pogba and Kanté. Enough to feed the Mbappé arrow or the Benzema finisher, also capable of picking up.
Changing everything may seem risky but…
And the disadvantages then? Changing everything in the midst of competition can seem risky. Especially against a Swiss team which, on paper, seems not very dangerous for such a team from France. Without discipline, the axis could also quickly be bottled up (Pogba, Griezmann, Benzema). On the other hand, once in the quarters or semi-finals, these changes will be even more difficult. In 2018, Deschamps had shown adaptation very early in the competition. For the great success that everyone knows.
#Euro #FranceSwitzerland #threeway #defense