They will be 5,000 in the stands of the Stade de France to wish our Blues good luck for the next Euro, Tuesday evening during the last preparation match against Bulgaria. A joy for Didier Deschamps, who is delighted to find “real football”. The coach of the Blues confirms the presence of N’Golo Kanté for this match, but is not sure of being able to dispose of Lucas Hernandez, Adrien Rabiot and Kingsley Coman.
Why did you choose Bulgaria for this second and last preparation match before the start of the Euro?
DIDIER DESCHAMPS. Already, there are few teams available. Bulgaria is evolving in a system with a defense of 3 or 5, and it is likely that we will also have the 15th against Germany for the start of the Euro.
Is it a match to carry out a squad review or to plan already on the first match against Germany, on June 15?
It can’t be a workforce review, but if I have to adjust things I always have the 6 changes. After that there can be unforeseen events. We were hardly put in difficulty against the Welsh because of the expulsion. So we have to improve the technical relationship, the defensive replacement. But I have a good squad, and often the difficulties that the players encounter are more numerous in training.
There will be 5,000 people tomorrow Tuesday at the Stade de France. How do you welcome the return of supporters?
It’s a very good thing, real football is with full supporters and stadiums. It is a return to what was normal. Moreover, we will face it in Munich (Editor’s note: 14,000 spectators) and even more in Budapest (Editor’s note: the stadium will be full). I welcome it with a smile. It is a source of motivation and adrenaline for the players.
Can we hear from Lucas Hernandez and Adrien Rabiot absent from training in recent days?
Today before the session, I have 3 players with a small problem, the two you mentioned and Kingsley Coman. I will not take risks even if they do not have the same problems.
How’s N’Golo Kanté and how do you see its role in this diamond system?
These last days we have moved into his program because he had a slight problem, we mainly focused on recovery. He will be there tomorrow. He has performed at a very high level with Cheslea, and he is able to play in various positions in the middle. It all depends on the systems, there are just adjustments to be made. I’m not going to bully him. He’s very good at recovery, at transition, I’m not going to say he’s very good at finishing, but he’s able to project himself too. So he will have this freedom, taking into account the players around him and the compensations to be made.
What role will Olivier Giroud have during this Euro? And can he fit into the attacking trio as set up against Wales?
In September and October, we already played with the same attacking triangle. So you have the answer. I’ve talked about a lot of things with him, he’s part of a group of 26, he wants to be important. I know very well what he was able to do, we will not go back to his situation at the club at the end of February, with a reduced playing time. He arrived later, so with less time to do a certain job, he wants to give the maximum but nothing replaces the playing time. And he had very little so obviously it’s problematic.
Are you worried that Kylian Mbappé’s future could pollute his tournament?
It’s part of everything that happens outside. Kylian was clear, he is with the France team. He will make a decision when he sees fit. He is in peace and serenity with us.
