Didier Deschamps’ frank assessment of the criticism

France could not do better last Thursday than a 0-0 at the Stade de France against Israel in the Nations League. A soporific match, where the Blues, disappointing offensively, often came up against the opposing goalkeeper, Daniel Peretz. This performance, still below expectations, got the press and the Blues supporters talking. Questioned during the press conference before the match against Italy, Didier Deschamps expressed his point of view on this meeting, but especially on the offensive ineffectiveness of his team.

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«This already happened to us during the Euro. Before the match against Israel, we had found good efficiency with 9 goals in 4 matches. It’s very frustrating and upsetting to have so many chances without scoring. When we go 0-0, obviously we haven’t scored. But I repeat, we had enough opportunities to do it. The goalkeeper was very good“, he insisted. The tactician also thinks that the various changes and the overall rejuvenation of the selection have had a definite role in the recent performances of the French team, without degrading them. “We are second in the FIFA rankings, we were semi-finalists in the Euro. During the Nations League, I decided to put younger players, which certainly harms collective expression. Despite everything, we are here.»

Deschamps puts things into perspective

Faced with criticism, the coach chose to stay his course. “I have my energy, I do everything to continue to maintain the French team at its level. Criticisms have always been a part of my life, compliments too. This will not influence my choices to allow the French team to be more efficient“, he then explained.

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The former Marseille and Juventus player also wanted to point out that the last match of the November break, against Italy this Sunday, November 17, will allow him some innovations. “All matches are important, at every gathering. Italy and France are qualified, we know what we have to do. We must have the goal of first place in mind. But I stand by what I told you at the beginning of September, there will be changes for tomorrow’s match. I need to see some players“. Enough to perhaps find a new winning combination for the rest of the tournament.