The coach of the France team answered questions from the media on the eve of the friendly match against Scotland in Villeneuve-d’Ascq (9 p.m.).
Special envoy to Villeneuve d’Ascq
Le mea culpa de Todibo
“It was his wish to be able to express himself in relation to the situation that you know. It took on a significant magnitude, obviously he was affected by what followed. He apologized to me, that’s not an attitude to have at that moment. Everyone does what they want, but it’s better for them to speak than to issue a press release. It’s not the best situation, obviously, but he remains available for tomorrow’s match (Tuesday). »
Jean-Clair Todibo, on the verge of tears in front of the press. FRANCK FIFE / AFP
The possible pressure from clubs to spare the players
“They all have busy club schedules, but beyond that, I don’t have any pressure (from the clubs). It may have happened that some people passed messages without putting pressure, kindly (smile). I see what I can do. You believe me or not, but I will decide tomorrow (Tuesday). Kylian (Mbappé) is doing well, with a smile and in great shape. »
In these difficult times, with everything that is happening, we must be careful to be moderate on all sides because this can have much more serious consequences. Everyone has their freedom of speech
Didier Deschamps, the coach of the Blues
The expected turnover against Scotland
“We meet an opponent who has the same privilege as us, of being qualified for the Euro. Well done to them. It’s a great team that we face, in a friendly match, like last month in Germany (2-1 defeat). In my logic, it is to distribute the playing time, without putting the players in difficulty. You will tell me last month… (defeat against Germany). I want to do something coherent. We are in France, I know very well, the players too, that they will be judged by what they do tomorrow (Tuesday). »
Expectations around Captain Mbappé on social issues
“What a question… Kylian is captain, he fully assumes his role as captain. This is a question that goes beyond the scope. There is the world of sport, others, everyone has the freedom to position themselves. For some it will be a duty, others not. Everyone does what he wants. They are present on social networks or not, you will not find me there. In these difficult times, with everything that is happening, we must be careful to be moderate on all sides because this can have much more serious consequences. Everyone has their freedom of speech. »
The elimination of the XV of France
“I was gutted for them honestly. For Fabien (Galthié) and the players. You don’t get over it like that overnight. It was a small finale. The high level is that too, we must accept it and there will be other objectives. Everyone will take more or less time to recover. Their life continues, their life as a high-level athlete too, there will be analysis, they will feed on all that and they will have to start again. But it hurts. »
The Blues of Football supported the XV of France on Sunday. Simon MORCEL / FFF
The state of the Lille pitch
« (teasing) She’s beautiful, do you want me to compliment her? I confirm to you that she suffered. We can’t say that we have a very beautiful lawn. I am a coach, if you want to speak to my president… There are stadium choices that are made, I am consulted by arguing. But we already played very quickly after the Top 14 final, here there were 5 World Cup matches. The lawn may be solid, but at one point… It was a lawn that suffered. »
The difficulties of Kolo Muani
“Randal doesn’t do everything right. A year ago, few would have thought he would be with us. Everything happened very quickly for him. On the field, he has the same will and the same availability even if as number 9 it is on efficiency that he is judged and he also has a good margin of progress at this level. He does good things for the collective. If he gets hit? No, it’s relatively calm. But everything happened very quickly for him between the World Cup, his transfer to PSG this summer…. If we want to compare, even if I don’t like doing that, a boy like Olivier (Giroud) at the beginning, also experienced difficulties and today he is the top scorer in the history of the selection. Randal is calm and serene but is well aware of wanting to do better. »
Giroud’s experience
“Olivier is available. He has a lot of experience, his club coach also manages him with the calendars. Recovery times at 25 or 37 are not the same thing. He still has this ability to be effective. As long as he maintains himself in this position, it’s very good. With Randal and Marcus, who you haven’t told me about but it doesn’t matter, if only to talk about the three, it’s good to have him available today. »
