The France team conceded a draw on Friday evening against the Netherlands in their second Euro match (0-0). A result acquired in a tense context, particularly around the state of health of Kylian Mbappé.
With victory against Austria barely achieved on Monday evening, Didier Deschamps already has the next stage in mind: the match against the Netherlands on Friday in Leipzig. And the French coach has a lot of things in mind, particularly in terms of the organization of the Euro. 36 hours less recovery compared to the Dutch. The conditions are not optimal to prepare for the confrontation with the Batavians.
Especially since the case of Kylian Mbappé caused a lot of ink to flow during the week. Victim of a broken nose against the Austrians, the captain of the Blues showed that he wanted to return to the field quickly, in particular by displaying his motivation on social networks. For his part, Didier Deschamps left doubts at a press conference about the possible presence of his attacker against the Netherlands, just four days after his injury.
The masks received, Kylian Mbappé did not test its protection in real conditions, during the opposition on the eve of the match. As expected, the new Real Madrid player was finally preserved in this second Euro match.
“Infiltrations”, tarpaulin… the day before the lively match
To cope with the absence of Mbappé, Didier Deschamps chose to change system to start Adrien Rabiot in left midfield and Aurélien Tchouaméni alongside N’Golo Kanté. Information that came out in the press shortly before midnight Thursday evening, when he raised the idea with certain players, in a small group. The surprise effect is missed. Didier Deschamps spoke of “infiltrations” in a pre-match press conference. “You have enough infiltration to know where it’s coming from, one way or another.” This leak did not destabilize the coach. He didn’t let anything show but in the delegation some are wondering, because yes some players learned of Rabiot’s repositioning in the media.
On the Dutch side, we quickly inquire to try to find out to what extent the information on the probable composition of the Blues is true. Friday morning, match day, the Oranje are convinced that the 4-4-2, with the double pivot Kanté – Tchouaméni, will be the system used by the Tricolores and are refining their preparation accordingly.
At the same time, the tarpaulin affair adds a new annoyance. Upon their arrival in Leipzig, the staff and players of the France team noticed that their locker room was not partitioned and was only separated from the pitch by a simple stretched blue tarpaulin. For a talk prepared in complete privacy, you have to go back, since this tarpaulin does not filter any sound, leaving it up to everyone to listen at the doors (or next to the tarpaulin).
A post-match with loved ones
Despite several opportunities, the French team did not succeed in securing a second victory in this Euro. But this 0-0 against the Dutch leaves the Blues in a good position to qualify for the round of 16. This result does not seem to have an impact on the morale of the players, who return to the Red Bull Arena pitch at the final whistle to chat with their loved ones. Near the locker room, Marcus Thuram takes the time to chat with his father Lilian. Not far from there, Kylian Mbappé talks with his parents near the Blues bus. A peaceful end to the evening before turning to preparation for the third match against Poland, Tuesday June 25 (6 p.m.).
The RMC Sport French team cell in Paderborn
