“That’s the only regret when you come to play in the Province”

Special envoy to Décines

Didier Deschamps in the hearts of French fans? Not in Lyon, and not after France-Italy. During the announcement of the teams, this Monday, before France-Belgium, in the League of Nations, the coach of the Blues was copiously booed by a large part of the public present in the stands of the Groupama Stadium. A first? Without doubt. The whistles of the Lyon public for their former player Bradley Barcola and the ex-Marseillais Mattéo Guendouzi were more expected. Note that the reception was mixed for Kylian Mbappé, substitute for this League of Nations match.

In office since 2012, Deschamps was leading his 161st match at the helm of the French team on Monday, having notably guided Les Bleus to the world title in 2018, with a World Cup final in 2022, in Qatar, and another at Euro 2016, in France. World and European champion during his playing career, “DD” was under fire from critics after a weak Euro in terms of play and a worrying defeat against Italy (1-3).

After the meeting, he did not avoid the question.I didn’t hear because I was in the locker room.he admits, falsely surprised and perfectly aware of what happened. I heard about Bradley (Barcola)… I’m not going to point the finger at one club over another. That’s the only regret when you go to play in the provinces. For me, it’s not important.. When we come, we support the French team, so the whistles… That people are unhappy, disappointed, that they show it, why not, but there when the players are on the field… I don’t think it’s for the good of the French team.”