The Blues coach returned to his team’s draw against the Netherlands on Friday evening in Leipzig.
Special correspondent in Leipzig
If he bluffed for Mbappé
“I don’t have to bluff, things get better, every day that passes is a day gained. If it had been decisive, I would have thought differently. It’s important to have the feeling of Kylian. He had a shock, the fact of having a hematoma which must dissipate, wearing a mask which changes the vision, and in relation to the risk… It is not easy. We are getting closer to better consolidation every day. Today (Friday), it was wiser for him to stay on the bench.”
Satisfied with the appearance of his team
“Offensively we are doing good things, there are a lot of positive points. Then there are the adversaries too. Austria put Poland three up… (3-1) It’s hard for everyone, but we’re there. Mental, state of mind, ability to create danger, opportunities… Solidity is important but to win matches, you have to score. It’s regret tonight. We have to keep that. In four days, we have to go for qualification (6 p.m. against Poland).”
Read alsoThe notes of the Blues against the Netherlands: Kanté (again) everywhere, Maignan solid, Griezmann imprecise
His choice to relaunch Tchouaméni and change the system
“I make sure to make choices to make the most balanced team. To attack well and defend well. Faced with a selection from the Netherlands that was more cautious than usual, my only regret is that we were not efficient, with clear situations despite interchangeable positions which brought variety. The Netherlands had two chances. Repeating a performance like that, with less recovery time, I am satisfied with what my team achieved. »
His opinion on the goal disallowed in the Netherlands for offside
“There is no goal from the moment someone hinders the goalkeeper (Ronald Koeman thinks the opposite). It took a long time, I was surprised, when I see the image again, it seems obvious to me.”
The Maignan meeting
“Mike is beaming, we did everything necessary to bring him in the best conditions. Daily support from Franck Raviot (goalkeeper coach) and the medical staff. Mike is strong and feels strong. Today (Friday) he made two saves, especially the first after two minutes. He is there, he is a leader for the defense. We will need Mike at that level.”
The copy rendered by Kanté
“He still runs… (laughs) But he doesn’t just do that. It allows us to project ourselves and this offers variety in our animation with Adrien and Aurélien, without forgetting Antoine. This allows you to create danger and opportunities, while maintaining great solidity. »
Concerned about the lack of efficiency
“No, sometimes you have matches with two chances and you score. That doesn’t worry me, but what would worry me is if we don’t have any chances. Efficiency at a very high level is an important element and we have a good basis for improvement in this sector of the game.”
