“We didn’t wait for qualification for the Euro to make the necessary arrangements,” whispers a person close to the France team about the big meeting in Germany next summer (June 14-July 14). For several months, a French delegation composed in particular of Philippe Brocherieux, the French team manager and Mohamed Sanhadji, the security officer, has been able to scout out possible base camps. A central point during an international competition and which can cause damage in the event of unpleasant surprises, as was the case at Euro 2021. There are still eight months before the European Championship, but behind the scenes the entire staff is already busy since on the field, with the victory against the Netherlands in Amsterdam last Friday (1-2), qualification is already acquired.
One last little effort is required from Didier Deschamps’ Blues, namely winning against Gibraltar or Greece (November 18-21) to validate the seeded place for the draw on December 2 in Hamburg. In this case, the first round program would be more affordable. Deschamps remembers very well the consistent hors d’oeuvres during the last Euro in the “pool of death” against Germany, Portugal and Hungary, during a first phase which had tired the selection (a victory and two draws), eliminated ingloriously against Switzerland in the round of 16 (3-3, 4 tab to 5).
The Blues will see things more clearly on December 2 but already know what to expect about the progress of the German Euro. Announced as being in tune with the issue of ecology, with respect for the environment (no stadium was built for the occasion), the organization ardently wishes to see the nations make two of its three trips in the first round by train or bus.
Each group will be divided into three geographical zones (North/Northeast with Berlin, Hamburg, Leipzig – West with Dortmund, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Gelsenkirchen, Cologne – South with Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart) and the French team already knows which target complexes (hotel training ground) depending on their location. This scouting work, which is essential, is not taken lightly by the coach, concerned with his famous “details”, which “do not help you win a major competition but can make you lose it”.
Beyond logistical questions, everything is already anticipated also concerning the first half of 2024. The list should be announced between May 14 and 16, just before the last weekend of Ligue 1, knowing that certain internationals could be affected by the Champions League final scheduled for June 1 at Wembley. Unlike the World Cup in Qatar, interspersed in winter and in high season, preparation will this time be put in place with friendly matches in Bordeaux and Metz. In March, the Blues also have two matches planned in Lyon on the 22nd or 23rd against Germany, as announced by Le Parisien and on the 26th in Marseille.