After the draw for the France team in Austria (1-1), the second of the week on the same score after that conceded on Monday in Croatia, Didier Deschamps came to deliver his analysis of the match at a press conference.
Despite the scenario, do you have any regrets like in Croatia (1-1)?
DIDIER DESCHAMPS. It’s not in the same direction but from what we were able to do, during an attack – defense, the players should have been rewarded by the result. Austria put a lot of commitment and density, less in the 2nd period, where it was one way. We were inefficient. It’s a shame compared to what we did in the second half and very well done.
A young central hinge, an inexperienced midfielder, how did you find your young shoots?
It was difficult because of what was in front. Without experience and without automatisms. But the individual talent is there. I take this into account in my analysis. We conceded little to Austria. Changes from one game to another do not help to find automatisms. I have a younger team than usual and that’s a very good thing.
Were you forced to bring in Kylian Mbappé?
No, no, it was planned before, for thirty minutes. He felt better yesterday (this Thursday). Kylian is Kylian. I prefer to have him from the first minute on the pitch. He did not go far from the double, with a miraculous save from the goalkeeper. I would have preferred to have him in all the matches but he couldn’t. There is a bit of breakage, of course. We don’t have all our potential available in each game but that doesn’t prevent the squad from going for the win even if we haven’t been rewarded. We have one last battle to fight on Monday.
How do you rate Antoine Griezmann’s performance?
He had an hour of play, after thirty minutes on Monday. He is not in his best shape, it shows in his game.
Are you tempted by the Nkunku-Benzema-Mbappé trio against Croatia on Monday at the Stade de France?
I’m not here to try. It’s a matter of balance. I will think again to make sure I have the best solution, between balance and being dangerous. Christopher confirms everything he does well with his club and with us. Kylian is Kylian. Karim accumulates fatigue. In three days, we will have to see.