Is there a bouncer required at the entrance to Clairefontaine? The question deserves to be asked after the notable arrival of certain players at the French team’s training center this Monday. While captain Kylian Mbappé, wearer of the security armband, rested in Madrid, pouring rain welcomed the 23 players selected by Didier Deschamps.
Never mind that a large part of the group had opted for sunglasses when getting out of the vehicles as they approached the Château de Clairefontaine. “It may be a small detail for you, but for me it means a lot”sang France Gall in the past in nightlife establishments. It is obvious that players were not limited to this single accessory. As if the light from the green rectangle was no longer enough for them, they are now looking to capture the spotlight differently. The most striking example is that of Ibrahima Konaté with her full neon yellow hood, while some of her teammates sported biker leather, rock jacket and even a beret over a denim outfit. Even the eccentric Jules Koundé seemed sober in comparison with the rest of the locker room.
When we talk about the locker room here, we think more of the hangers on which the outfits hang rather than the walls perfumed with the smell of lawn and damp earth. Although the French team does not impose a strict dress code, players have the freedom to dress as they wish, but they also bear the responsibility of making the French dream — a mission that seems compromised given recent events.
After a Euro 2024 where emotions were confined to a victory on penalties against the Portuguese, a feeling of weariness seems to emanate from the public. This apathy is often attributed to the Blues’ unspectacular style of play, with only one goal scored during the tournament. Faced with these criticisms, Didier Deschamps, faithful to his outspokenness, suggested to supporters to “change TV channel” if they found the matches boring. An undiplomatic advice which did not fail to provoke a reaction.
The Blue jersey: timeless fashion object
After twelve years at the head of the selection, the former 1998 world champion is no longer untouchable. His image as a winner is fading, and the criticism is not limited to his communication and his tactics, but also to his decision to bet almost exclusively on Kylian Mbappé, to the detriment of Antoine Griezmann, judged more collective but today removed from the field. The former PSG player, conspicuous by his absence during this gathering, remained in Madrid to rest, a choice made in agreement with Didier Deschamps. However, the “Dech” still affirmed last May that the French team was “above everything”.
The rest after this ad
In this slump, it seems that it is the supporters who are turned away by the security guards of the French institution. The Paris Fashion Week shows concluded on October 1, and the trends presented there may prove to be fleeting. One thing remains certain: the blue jersey of the French team is timeless.
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