Back-to-school time has come for the Blues. Gathered this Monday in Clairefontaine, the men of Didier Deschamps found themselves for the meetings against Ireland and Germany, scheduled for Thursday at the Parc des Princes and Tuesday, September 12 in Dortmund. The first meeting concerns the qualifications for Euro 2024 and the second a friendly. To launch the international sequence, the coach of the vice-world champions answered questions from the media.
“We have 10 days, it’s the longest configuration but we have a match on Thursday (against Ireland at the Parc des Princes). There is only one match that counts, and that is Thursday. Our number one objective is against Ireland, with these three points at stake which would take us closer to qualifying for the Euros. We had a tricky match there (1-0 victory). We must not think that with 12 points out of 12, it is settled for Thursday. Let’s negotiate this meeting well and then we will have a little time to think about the friendly match on Tuesday in Germany. »
“There are no problems other than fatigue and shorter nights for those who played on Sunday. We will have two days focused on recovery. We are already used to this type of situation, but there is no particular problem with the players who played yesterday (Sunday). The vast majority of troops will be on recovery. »
“It is his merit (to last). He has the physique that allows him, the lifestyle, the mind and this desire to maintain himself at a high level. He leaves on very good bases (with AC Milan). He is one of the experienced who endure. A few years ago, 35 years was the limit, today some are close to 40 years. Olivier has the mindset and the mentality to last. »
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“A perfect marriage?” I’m not married to Kylian (smile), but it’s been going very well since his appointment. It’s an additional responsibility for him, and in his mind, compared to the collective. He takes up a lot of space on the pitch and off with you (the media) too. He knows what I expect of him. Even before he was captain, I talked a lot with him, there even more. These are not discussions about him only. Being captain is not a burden for him, it comes naturally, because he has this legitimacy in relation to the whole group. »
“I did not exchange with Fabien (Galthié). I spent a very nice day with them in July. There are high expectations and the players of the XV of France will get into the heart of the competition with the clash against the All Blacks (Friday at the Stade de France). I can not wait to see it. »
“(on seeing them team up on Thursday) It’s nice you make the team before me, it’s good (laughs). I saw the match (against Lyon) and they are used to playing together in the France team, they have benchmarks, automatisms, positions that they must refine. They have always had a good technical relationship, but also off the field. It is important. It’s not something negative. Being at PSG together will improve their relationship. There is only positive in the fact that the three of them meet regularly with their club. »
“At Bayern he played in different positions, with three or four, so much the better for him that he is versatile. At Inter, he will be the right axis… He knows what I expect of him. I hope everything will go well in the weeks to come. When I call them in selection, with Jules (Koundé), it’s to play on the right side. »
“I had no reluctance because he had never played or very little (Clauss did not participate in the World Cup). The fact that he now plays in a regular four-man defense and that he finds himself at ease there are arguments that go in his direction. It is not impossible that he will have to come back before making important decisions. He is having a very good start to the season with OM, in an unusual position. »
