Belgium-France, Mbappé’s night trip, League of Nations interest… The truths of Deschamps

Changes expected against Belgium

“In September, with two matches in three days, and no player was 100%, it seemed logical to me to change a lot of elements between the two matches. There will be changes tomorrow (Monday evening), but I don’t think I’ll make 8.”

What reception in Belgium after the Marseillaise whistled at the Euro?

“Animosity I don’t think. A rivalry has been created through our previous meetings in international competitions. Often in decisive matches, and looking at our results, there is always a rivalry being on borders, not at the level of players who know each other at club level. Afterwards, whistles on the Marseillaise… Nothing is serious in absolute terms, but if everyone behaved accordingly, the world would be better. »

Also readKylian Mbappé’s night out in Sweden: Didier Deschamps’ response

Marcus Thuram who does not reach a milestone in the selection

“Marcus is very effective with his club (7 goals with Inter Milan in Serie A, co-top scorer in the championship), in a very particular system too. He has a step to take. When certain players arrive, we must not propel them or condemn them. For the offensive players, the step is higher, in creativity, in the obligation to be decisive. You have to be efficient in the last zone. This requires confidence and tranquility which leads to doing the gesture as much as possible. Marcus had quite a few chances, but they didn’t translate into goals. Marcus is very generous, can play several positions, potentially, too, it’s very interesting. It must be materialized at the highest level. It takes time. »

Also readThe notes of the Blues after France-Belgium: Dembélé bleeding, Koundé strong, Thuram transparent

The value he gives to the League of Nations

“The one you give him. If we win it, does it count or does it not count? (The Blues won it in 2021) I’m not going to tell you that I don’t care, neither do the players. But in their sporting season, it is a competition that becomes interesting when you are qualified for the final rounds. We adapt but in these matches, without losing the desire and ambition to be in the top two, the objective is to see the players in action on the pitch. As many elements as possible. »

Kylian Mbappé’s night trip to Sweden during Israel-France

“Everyone will have their own perception. Perhaps Aurélien (Tchouaméni, Mbappé’s partner at Real Madrid) is aware of his club’s program. Kylian is free (to do what he wants)… That doesn’t mean he didn’t watch the match or send messages. If he was where he was (in Sweden), it was because there was no obligation from his club. We shouldn’t see evil everywhere either. It is not wanting to defend it for the sake of defending it. He is in his private life. His life is not private, everyone knows what he does, which is not the case for yours and that suits you well (smile). »

His opinion on Tchouaméni’s communication

“Ah, I didn’t listen to the press conferences. If I have to look at what they say… My players have complete freedom. Knowing Aurélien, he has this ability to express himself and master a lot of things. I’m not convinced that this will be a good client for you (smile). He probably won’t tell you the little word or the little phrase or that twig that can start a fire… I didn’t choose him for that, but it’s a responsibility too. For a while now, we have had to be careful about sensitive subjects. It’s not easy. The press conference before the match on politics at the Euro (during the legislative elections), I will remember it with eight questions out of 10 outside the match. This is not my domain. »

If the Blues have a psychological advantage over Belgium

“It’s history, we can’t change anything (victory in 8^e final of the Euro and in the semi-final of the 2018 World Cup). Good for us because they were important matches. It doesn’t give any psychological advantage, I’m not sure. I’m not talking about ascendancy because it’s not the same context, not the same players. It will be another scenario Monday evening. »