Three days after the sensational failure of France-Israel, the Azzurri got back on track by winning in Milan against Italy (3-1) and finishing at the top of group 2 of the League of Nations. They will know their opponent on November 22nd. Meanwhile, it was a satisfied coach of the French national team who presented himself at the press conference this Sunday evening at San Siro.
What is the analysis of the meeting? Is this a referral match?
DIDIER DESCHAMPS. Reference, founder… This means nothing to me. It’s a great pride after a match in which we lacked efficiency. The context was different. We did a lot of very good things, especially the three offensive players in the positioning. Winning here is always a source of pride. To do it with a two-goal difference is a truly important performance. It’s a very beautiful evening!
Does this success have a particular flavor after the criticism aimed at you and the Blues?
It’s nice to win the last match of November because the next one will be in 4 months. Criticism is part of life. I am internal, I establish a line. You don’t know everything. There are very high standards and expectations, I know, but the group is much younger. These six matches served this purpose. This will complicate my choices for the future. It’s very nice to have achieved this great match.
What evaluation do you draw from reoxygenation?
I knew I was taking a risk, or at least an option. They have less experience, less experience. We will take time with the staff in the seminar to analyze everything, the pros and cons.
We were in control, we defended well
There have been 7 changes since the last match. Despite everything, there was technical mastery. What do you attribute it to?
We had little time to work. Let’s get things right in the placement, in the video, on the flip chart. We were good in every aspect. We were in control, we defended well. There are only positive points. It’s fantastic to achieve this in these conditions and in this atmosphere. We did better and given the match the victory is deserved.
Mike Maignan said it was the victory of a united team, on an evening when Kylian Mbappé wasn’t there…
It’s your interpretation. I know there are negative and twisted people in life. You will have debates about it. Mike speaks from the heart. Don’t go and be an interpreter. Speak in relation to the players present. Kylian, leave him alone. It’s complicated for him. I am convinced that he will regain full possession of his means.
Have you worked on scenes with Lucas Digne?
We happen to work (ironic). The Italians’ choice is to defend very low. This gives us the opportunity to put many players in the area. It was more the area that was targeted, in particular two players Adrien Rabiot and Ibou Konaté. It works or it doesn’t, but we chose this option on set pieces.
How does Didier Deschamps plan to integrate younger players into the squad as the team prepares for future matches?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Didier Deschamps
Editor: Thank you for joining us, Didier. It’s great to have you here after the recent victory over Italy in Milan. How do you feel about your team’s performance, especially in light of the previous match against France-Israel?
Didier Deschamps: Thank you for having me. It feels good to be back on track. Winning in Milan, especially against a strong team like Italy, is a remarkable achievement. We did a lot of things well, particularly in terms of our attacking movements. The atmosphere during the match was electric, and securing a win by a two-goal margin is very satisfying.
Editor: You mentioned in your post-match comments that the context was different this time. Can you elaborate on that?
Didier Deschamps: Absolutely. The challenges we faced in the previous match were considerable, and we lacked efficiency then. This time, we played with a renewed spirit. The players showcased their potential, especially our three offensive players. It was a match full of pride for us, and to secure a top position in Group 2 of the League of Nations only adds to that pride.
Editor: After the criticisms directed at you and the team, does this victory feel even more special?
Didier Deschamps: Winning the last match of November certainly has its own flavor, knowing we have a four-month wait until the next game. Criticism is part of any sport; it comes with the territory. I believe in my team and their growth. We have a younger squad, and these matches have been vital for their development. It’s encouraging to know that our hard work is paying off.
Editor: In the context of your squad’s development, how are you evaluating the changes made since the last match? You had seven changes in the lineup, which is quite significant.
Didier Deschamps: It was a calculated risk. When integrating younger players, it’s essential to balance experience with fresh talent. We prepared thoroughly and focused on technical mastery. Now, we’ll analyze these choices with the coaching staff in our seminar, weighing the pros and cons to determine the best path forward.
Editor: Looking ahead, what challenges do you anticipate as you finalize your strategy for the next round?
Didier Deschamps: The biggest challenge will be making informed decisions about player selections. The competition is fierce, and every match presents unique situations. The experiences we’ve gathered from these six matches will inform our strategy and help us refine our approach moving forward.
Editor: Lastly, what message do you want to send to the fans who have staunchly supported the team through ups and downs?
Didier Deschamps: I want to express my gratitude for their unwavering support. Their passion fuels us on the pitch. While we may face challenges, we’re committed to improving and making them proud. This victory is as much for them as it is for the team.
Editor: Thank you, Didier. Best of luck in the upcoming months as you prepare for the next matches.
Didier Deschamps: Thank you! I appreciate it.