The coach of the France team returned to the mediocre evening against Canada (0-0) Sunday evening in Bordeaux.
Special envoy to Bordeaux
His assessment of the two preparation matches
“Overall, these ten days went well in terms of what the group gives off on a daily basis and the state of mind. Players arrived late, with small physical problems. This evening (Sunday), we had greater adversity than against Luxembourg (3-0). So much the better, it will alert us to what awaits us against Austria. With everyone’s state of fitness, there are disparate levels. Adrien Rabiot and Aurélien Tchouaméni were not used because they were not fit. It was important for me, even if it harms collective expression, to spread playing time as much as possible over these two matches. There is a small break (the Blues are off for two days) and we will meet again for the straight and this match against Austria (June 17). Having watched the match of the big nations, it was not easy for everyone. The preparation was short, but it was necessary to go through it.”
The less important influence of Griezmann in his new positioning
“There is a different positioning with or without the ball. These are adjustments, but obviously at times, Antoine’s high positioning makes him less available in the construction zone. That he can go to the finishing phase yes, but when I told you, even after the first match, to be able to make corrections and adjustments that will obviously be part of my thinking.
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Saliba’s accomplished match
“I’ll let you draw hasty conclusions or not… It’s linked to the fact that Ibou Konaté, I had planned for him to only last 45 minutes. It’s been more than a month since he played. I wanted a different option just in case… William is coming off a very big season and he showed a lot of solidity, it was important for me because you never know what can happen in these two matches.
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Mbappé on the bench at kick-off
“Kylian received a blow during the last match and yesterday (Saturday) before the session, he had a significant hematoma which limited him. Things were much better today, even if he wants to play everything, there is no risk to take. The France team with or without Kylian is different. This leads to positions that can evolve.”
The armband given to Giroud
“It’s not a festival… From the moment it’s a wish of the group and the collective, I validated and accepted it. The most important thing is the notion of group. The group wanted that, it’s very good for Olivier and it doesn’t go against what I value above all else, the collective.”
ROMAIN PERROCHEAU / AFP
Kanté’s record after two matches
“For those who had doubts about his ability and the volume of play, he is still at the same level. His status ? he is a potential starter, even if I have a lot in the middle. “NG” reassured some, but with what he had done all season, he has the level he has always had. In the two matches with us, he showed that he was at the best level.
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The health of Adrien Rabiot and Aurélien Tchouaméni
“Aurélien (metatarsal) we knew it, everything is going well, he should return to a collective session around June 14, that’s the plan. He goes through the stages normally. Adrien, it’s different. He has a calf problem, the sensations were not good. He is reassured and will be in session on Wednesday in Germany.
His view on Austria, first opponent at the Euro
“We met them and realized the potential they had. This is an underrated team with what they achieve. We observe them, we already know them, but there is a lot of quality, a compact selection, with commitment, intensity and players accustomed to the very high level. I am very wary and I want to prepare my players for what Austria will offer on June 17.
The Bordeaux welcome
“The full stadium here, with a superb atmosphere, confirms the very important popular support for the players. We are fortunate to have more than 11,000 French supporters at the first three Euro matches. This gives homework to the players of the France team. With what we have experienced in recent years, sharing emotions, it is magnificent to have this popular support.
