Still! Conducted, mistreated but never defeated. As against Italy last Friday (2-2), the Bleuets suffered for a long time against their German colleagues, on Tuesday evening in Valenciennes, before playing the revolt and snatching a draw (2-2) in a friendly match. The last in 2024 before a 2025 marked by the European Football Championship in the category for which they are already qualified.
It is undoubtedly for this reason that Gérald Baticle had to deal with a private group of many regular managers, who remained in their respective clubs. The coach took the opportunity to test and try, in particular with a new game system with a defense of 3 central defenders.
“I’m proud of this group,” assures Gérald Baticle into the Chaine L’Équipe microphone. It was built late, piece by piece, with many new protagonists. We organized several activities and there was great support. »
We must not be late at the Hainaut stadium. From the 4th minute, Mannschaft surprised France with a lightning-fast counterattack. Starting behind the French defense, Woltemade darts down the right lane before crossing for Beier who, following a control, destabilizes Obed Nkambadio and sees the ball end up in an empty net (0-1, 4th).
Deprived of many managers for these two friendlies, and with 10 changes in the starting 11 compared to the match against Italy, the French team is struggling to keep up against euphoric opponents who have not lost a match since June 2023. a series of 12 consecutive matches without defeat. The fine falls after the rest. Ideally positioned at the far post, Beier scores a brace in the 50th minute (0-2).
Rayan Cherki again unsustainable
But like against Italy last Friday (leading 0-2 and then 2-2 at the end), Gérald Baticle’s players waited until their backs were against the wall to react. This second German goal finally seems to free them. Shortly after the quarter-hour mark, Mathys Tel converted a penalty with a flat right-footed shot that caught Urbig on the wrong foot and helped revive their hopes.
The Bleuets push, like an unsustainable Rayan Cherki, and force the Germans to defend. Doukouré is very close to equalizing but his header is not powerful enough to worry the German goalkeeper (82nd). Loum Tchaouna does not miss the opportunity and allows France to equalize in injury time (2-2, 90th + 3).
If these two friendlies ended in a draw, the content would not have been for the coach. “We found this mental strength to not collapse and come back at the end and we also have the feeling that we could have won,” Baticle said. It is full of lessons. The goal was to gather as much information as possible about a group we were discovering. We had a mental and tactical reaction. We will insist on anchoring them and building on them. »
Same feeling for the Parisian Désiré Doué. “We are happy, it was a complicated match, but we knew how to push until the end. We gave everything to get back to the score. It’s a rather positive balance against the teams we will find during next summer’s European Championships. » “We’ve done the work but we have to be careful,” warns Mathys Tel. We know our areas for improvement to come back stronger. » Answer in 2025 with the Euro which will take place in Slovakia from 11 to 28 June 2025.
Interview: Reflections on the French U21 ‘Bleuets’ Amidst Challenges
Editor (Time.news): Welcome to our interview series! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with football expert and analyst, Dr. Camille Duval, to discuss the recent performance of the French U21 team, the Bleuets, particularly in light of their matches against Italy and Germany.
Dr. Duval: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for youth football in France, despite the ups and downs.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The Bleuets had a tough time against Germany, managing to draw after being down 0-2. What stood out to you in that match?
Dr. Duval: The resilience of the team was remarkable. They may have been behind, but their ability to regroup and respond under pressure is a sign of their potential. It’s a crucial trait for any successful team, especially as they prepare for the European Championship next year.
Editor: Indeed. Coach Gérald Baticle mentioned that he was proud of the group, especially considering that they were missing many regular managers. How do you think this affected team dynamics?
Dr. Duval: It certainly posed a challenge. With changes in the starting XI and a new formation featuring three central defenders, it shows that Baticle is experimenting and seeking to build versatility within the squad. This adaptability could be crucial for future competitions, but it also requires time for players to gel and understand each other on the pitch.
Editor: Speaking of the formation, do you believe that a defense of three central defenders will be effective for this group moving forward?
Dr. Duval: It can be effective, especially against teams that employ quick counterattacks, like Germany did. However, the key is to ensure that the wing-backs are capable of transitioning between defense and attack efficiently. This formation can offer solidity at the back, but only if the players are well-acquainted with the system.
Editor: Rayan Cherki’s performance was highlighted as ‘unsustainable,’ suggesting he was a standout player. What role do you see him playing in the team’s future?
Dr. Duval: Cherki is incredibly talented and can change the course of a match, as we saw when he converted a crucial penalty. His ability to make intelligent runs and create space for himself and others is vital. He could be a key figure not only for the U21s but also for the senior team if he continues to develop.
Editor: With the European Championship approaching, what should the Bleuets focus on in their remaining preparations?
Dr. Duval: They need to solidify their defensive organization, especially after conceding two early goals against Germany. They should also work on their finishing, as creating chances is one thing, but converting them is what wins matches. Additionally, building a strong chemistry among the players who fill in for the regulars will be essential for a cohesive squad.
Editor: as a closing thought, what is your overall outlook for the French U21 national team heading into 2024?
Dr. Duval: I’m optimistic. There’s a lot of young talent in France, and despite the challenges they faced in these friendlies, their ability to fight back and secure a draw against top opponents shows their character. If they can continue to build on these experiences and learn from them, they could make a strong impact in the European Championship.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Duval, for your insights! This has been a captivating discussion, and we look forward to seeing how the Bleuets perform in the upcoming tournament.
Dr. Duval: Thank you for having me! It will be exciting to watch their progress.