If the end of the club season officially ends this Saturday with the Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter Milan, this is not the case for the national teams which are still on the bridge. The France team is expected this Friday in Clairefontaine for the two matches against Gibraltar and Greece (June 16-19) scheduled for Euro 2024 qualifying (June 14-July 14). As a reminder, the vice-world champions are first in their group after their victory against the Netherlands (4-0) and Ireland (0-1) last March.
Kylian Mbappé’s Blues are starting their preparation at the Château and Didier Deschamps faced the media this Friday for a press conference. Verbatim.
“I’m not leaving with that intention (to make the team weaker). I will see with the sessions and I will know a little more about the disparate form between the players in a few days. Out of respect for Gibraltar (match Thursday in Faro), I’m going with the idea of putting the most competitive team. Which doesn’t mean it’s going to be the starting team you might think… (smiles) Admittedly on paper, they’re not the most formidable opponent, but these three points have the same value in accounting terms (the Blues are leaders with 2 wins in 2 matches in the Euro 2024 qualifiers). »
“I’ve been here for a few years and it’s never easy. When there is a competition, there is a very specific objective… In an odd year, it is more complicated. I’m not going to pity the players, they have a very busy schedule but they all need rest. Say it, explain it, say it again, yes, that’s my role. We’re going to make sure it goes as best as possible. It’s never an ideal time. »
“The players arrived today (Friday, at Clairefontaine) and apart from the Barcelonans who were on tour in Asia, the others were returning from vacation. From more or less distant places (smiles). We can’t work miracles either, the players were in decompression and on vacation even if they knew that they had these two matches there. They have a change to make psychologically. It is not doing nothing or doing too much. The objective is to bring this group of 23 to these two matches. We will make an advanced opposition on Sunday. »
“He had an injury that slowed him down, he’s been there for a while, confirmed with his club. He was not there at the World Cup (injury withdrawal), unfortunately for us. He confirms his role as a decisive player, with his goals, his assists, he will change clubs (from Leipzig to Chelsea) next year and it is a pleasure to find Christopher at his best level. He has the ability to play in all offensive positions. He can be more offset, in the axis, probably not as the only center forward but in an attack with two axial. He can eliminate, play, take depth. His versatility is important. »
“There is no veto from me. It’s already arrived. If there is a special request, we discuss it. The transfer window is open until August 31. »
“Marcus has evolved in different positions and systems. He is more comfortable in a central role, although he can play on the left. It’s always interesting (to have it) in a different register from Nkunku. (On the transfer window, Thuram, at the end of his contract in Germany, is announced at Paris SG) We may have to discuss, but Marcus has a home adviser (his father, Lilian) who will give him his opinion. It will be Marcus’ decision. It is not the only free international, others are too. He has a choice and that’s a good thing. »
“Saturday is an important moment with the election of the president. Since Philippe Diallo has been in office, we have had a good relationship, he has a lot of issues to take care of, including the French men’s team. I have regular discussions with him on France team issues. To tarnish him informed before you are (smile). I have a good relationship, he was in an interim relationship and if all goes well (Saturday), he commits to 2 years (until the end of 2024). This will be the continuity of the last few months. We will see the result tomorrow, even if everything seems to be going in the right direction. Which doesn’t prevent me from keeping in touch with President Le Graët. From what we have known and experienced together, I will always have a lot of respect and gratitude for what he has done for me. And in relation to that, we can talk to each other and see each other without it bothering the current president. »
“This is one of the important files he has to manage. He (Philippe Diallo) will defend his interests as the players will defend theirs. It moves forward and does not go around in circles. This is not done by snapping your fingers. As long as there is the goodwill of both parties, we will find an agreement. Today it has no impact because there is no shooting. It is not a sensitive subject, but it is not simple. The situation today is no longer that of 2012. I am convinced that there will be a positive outcome between the FFF and the players. »
“There have been other countries like the USA or China, in recent years, which have launched campaigns to promote their championship. This is Saudi Arabia. The decision is up to the players. “NG” (Kante, advertised in Benzema’s club) is one of them. I don’t have a fatal position on the fact that players go to play there (and remain selectable). Today, I will make sure to follow them, even if I don’t know how I will see this championship and on which channel. These are career choices at important times for players. I’m not going to give you the answer for ‘NG’ (if he got it)… Saudi Arabia is trying to add value to their league with bigger medium and long term interests compared to football (Cup bid of the world). »
