After Olivier Giroud’s great performance on Thursday night against Austria (2-0), Didier Deschamps was once again asked about the striker’s presence at the World Cup. Without closing the door.
“Is it a reassuring match?
There is nothing better than victory. She ran away from us in June. It’s been a tough time, but tonight (Thursday) the players were awarded. They are competitors. No matter who is there, there are duties and obligations in the France team. We are lucky to have had a great atmosphere for our last game of the calendar year at home. In June, it didn’t go well, so it’s a very nice evening.
“Our travels did not give this team time to organize”
Olivier Giroud has scored again, he is two goals away from Thierry Henry… How to interpret the applause of the public?
It is not for me to interpret. Olivier deserves it, I’m very happy for him. He had difficult times at the club and he has always performed well with us. If I call him, it’s for him to score goals. And he had many combinations.
Does that change your way of thinking about taking it to the World Cup?
It must continue to perform well. But don’t interpret what I say. Did I say that she would be there or not? No. But he does everything to be there. There is competition in all positions. I can have the margin taking 26 players. But all the better to see it like this. I’ll have time to think.
read too
The notes of the France-Austria: Varane, Mbappé, Giroud, the executives at the appointment
You went back to a three central system, what did you think?
We were efficient and solid defensively. Apart from half an occasion, we didn’t really leave anything to this team, who had caused us more problems at home in June. With less preparation time and uncertainty about the opponent’s system as well. Jonathan Clauss contributed many things, we saw him perhaps higher than Ferland Mendy because many times we saw Kylian Mbappé on the left. I was expecting us to have a harder time against the 4-4-2, but our travels didn’t give this team time to get organized.
You have two new injuries, is it a consequence of the calendar?
We had a lot before, we lose two… The reasons are the accumulation and the short recovery time. There is no game, neither at the club nor here, that allows the players to be calm. We are not saved but having two more is a lot. I hope I don’t have any in two months.
But there were new ones who acted…
There are players who have already had this experience. As long as they remain at the highest level with their club, they will be there to supervise the younger ones. For them, it is necessary to manage the emotional aspect. It depends on the character of each one. But the potential is there and when they are well supported by the elders, there is a lot of competition.
How do you judge the performances of Benoit Badiashile and Youssouf Fofana?
A lot of serenity and confidence. Some have more complicated beginnings and experience. They play in L1 but also in international competitions, it is an acceleration for them. »
read too
The Blues seduce against Austria and keep their fate in hand in the League of Nations
Jonathan Clauss: “We had to show another face”