In Apolline Matin, on RMC, Eric Di Meco returned to the sluggish qualification of the Blues, tired of the criticism of the game they have produced since the start of this Euro 2024.
“It’s annoying to watch but it makes you win.” It was a month ago, at a press conference. A loyal fan, Antoine Griezmann espoused the logic and the way his coach, Didier Deschamps, operated. Pragmatism is ingrained in his body.
On Monday evening, after qualifying for the quarter-finals at the last minute at the end of a tight match which once again illustrated the difficulties the French team has in creating play, Griezmann praised the team’s defensive performance on beIN Sports.
On the other hand, he rather sharply rejected the criticisms expressed by observers on the content of the Blues’ matches, which have been very sluggish since the start of the competition. “A small score? Don’t bother with a small score or something, we’re in the quarter-finals,” the vice-captain dismissed, eager not to dwell on an unfortunate subject.
“He knew he was expected”
“When you’re a player, and that’s normal, you’re focused on the objective to achieve or even the result, explained Eric Di Meco in Apolline Matin, on RMC. Above all, after the matches, we have difficulty reading our match, either individually or collectively. It’s difficult to judge a match. He’s not there for that. When you’re a player and you’ve qualified in pain like yesterday evening… besides, you only have to see the reaction of the players and Didier Deschamps.”
Very satisfied with the qualification obtained in pain, the coach seemed particularly happy and even euphoric at the final whistle, as if he had suddenly been freed from a weight that weighed on him. Very laudatory towards certain players (Koundé, Kolo Muani…), DD even allowed himself a few provocations, savoring his revenge.
“I found him in a bit of a strange state for a round of 16 player,” admitted Eric Di Meco.
“He knew he was expected. He sees that his team is not producing what people would like to see. He was under pressure in this match, it showed in the reaction he had.”
Although the Blues have not yet distinguished themselves by the quality of their play or their offensive power in this competition, Deschamps nevertheless found them to be improving against Belgium. The coach even noted “a lot of progress” in the control which owes much to a solid defensive base.
“She is essential at this level. We are starting from a little behind because it has not been easy for some of us. It is not just the aspect of defending well. In terms of using the ball, we have good control. They are doing everything necessary to ensure that we do not concede a goal. Even if we only scored one, that is enough today (Monday).”
On Friday (9 p.m.), in the quarter-finals, Les Bleus will face Portugal, who had to go through a penalty shootout to beat Slovenia.
