“Antoine Griezmann indicated at a press conference, just before you, that he had perceived, particularly in the first period, a form of imbalance in the French game against Ireland (2-0, Thursday). With a preference for the left side. Do you have the same opinion?
Yes, yes, in our last match, obviously we used our left side more. Even if we manage to create danger on the right side. Having balance on both sides, having danger on the left, in the axis, on the right, we have always tried. It all depends on the characteristics of the players. Theo (Hernandez) has specific characteristics. I don’t want to restrict him. Danger comes in different ways too. With the presence of Kylian, it increases the fact that this left side is used more.
What meaning do you give to this Germany-France match?
Calendars are made like that. We had a lot more friendly matches before. It was difficult to find friendly people in terms of availability. To have this prestigious match against Germany gives it more flavor. This allows the public, the media, the players to have a poster. It’s good to have friendly matches with two great nations.
“I find that we give a lot of credit to the foreign coach whereas with the French coach, we are tougher”
Hansi Flick was dismissed from his position as coach. Are you surprised by the setbacks of German football in recent months?
I don’t have to be surprised. I’m sorry about Hansi, I appreciate him. There are very high expectations around this German team because of what they have done in history. The last three competitions have led to disappointments. This does not call into question the intrinsic value of this team and its players. They are all in big European clubs. I know very well that there will be responsiveness and that they will do everything to obtain a result.
Do you regret the low number of French coaches on the L1 benches?
Yes, I deeply regret it. The French coach is not valued. I do not allow myself to judge the competence of foreign coaches. Is it because there are foreign owners? Coaches who don’t know L1, who don’t speak French… Looking back, I find that we give a lot of credit to the foreign coach whereas with the French coach, we are tougher. Abroad, it’s difficult to establish yourself. There is Rudi (Garcia) in Naples but there are few. If in addition, in L1, there are not many…
The coach of Algeria, Djamel Belmadi, said on Sunday that he was in favor of the programming of an Algeria-France. Have you spoken about it with the president of the FFF Philippe Diallo?
It’s not me who decides on friendly matches, it’s not my responsibility. I did not speak about this subject with Philippe Diallo. I have no worries about playing this match. Quite the contrary. »
