Time to take stock for Didier Deschamps after the last match of the year. ANGELOS TZORTZINIS / AFP
The Blues coach delivered his analysis after the draw against Greece (2-2), Tuesday evening in Athens, for the last match of the France team in 2023.
His opinion on the absence of goal-line technology: «(doubtful) I wonder. We are at a very high international level, there are no qualifiers at stake. It’s surprising that there is no goal-line technology. We are at a very high level, but if we had had to play for our qualification, there would not have been any more goal-line either. I spoke with the referees, they thought 99% that there was a goal but not 100%. There is not a completely lateral image to the goal line. Obviously that gave us the victory. But it’s not the absence of VAR that made us concede two goals in 15 minutes (in the second half).»
The opposition against Greece: «All the matches are difficult, I don’t consider Greece to be a small team. The first leg was complicated, we won it 1-0. This evening (Tuesday), we are also playing to win, but I made eight changes, obviously that goes against cohesion. On paper, we can say what we want, there is what happens on the ground. Greece has shown some interesting things ahead of its dam in March. She will have opportunities to aim for a place at Euro 2024.»
Mbappé replacing at kick-off: «I discussed it with the players, I wanted to distribute playing time. I also take into account the fact that he is involved in a match on Friday (against Monaco with PSG), knowing that we will return at 5 a.m. morning… And he will also have a Champions League match next Tuesday (against Newcastle).»
Read alsoThe notes of the Blues: Kolo Muani scorer (too) neutral, Fofana decisive, Koundé in pain
The French team maintains itself at a very high level, and that is important, even if the players change.
Didier Deschamps
Son bilan en 2023 : «We are in a calendar year, and after the cessation of certain players at the end of the World Cup (Benzema, Lloris, Mandanda, Varane), in particular experienced executives, we were excellent in the transition by qualifying without worries (for the Euro), being undefeated. We have a rejuvenated group, which maintains this competitive spirit with quality and a mentality which pleases me. The French team maintains itself at a very high level, and that is important, even if the players change. We must savor and then move on to what awaits us in 2024 with the Euro.»
The choice to postpone Kolo Muani: «I’m not going to draw an individual assessment, but from the players available, I know that he was not in his best position and shifting him took some responsibility away from him in scoring. And he scores a very nice goal (smile). Randal is more of a side player, probably also more comfortable on the right side, but there is also Ousmane (Dembélé). Throughout the first half, he was more mobile, worked, accelerated… This goal will do him good.»
If Fofana scored points for the Euro: «They all have an interest in scoring points (smile). There is very strong competition, they have playing time and if everyone is available, I will not be able to take them all. Youssouf responded with his goal and even in the first match. These matches must strengthen certain players. Even if the situation may change in six months. We were able to distribute the playing time in these two matches, to the detriment of cohesion, I am aware of that but we cannot have everything. Objective #1 was to continue to perform well and distribute playing time.»
His opinion on the Euro draw: «I’ll wait and see (December 2). The most complicated thing is commenting on a draw. Due to the qualified countries, this leaves possible uncertainties. Italy will be in hat 4, there may be stronger groups than others. We did everything to get our place at the top of the series.»
The little space available in the list of 23
«The players I have taken since March will be there. If everyone is available, I can’t see myself taking anyone I haven’t taken this year. There is competition, different options and we have a little more answers on a large number of players.»
Comments collected at a press conference
