France-Belgium. Didier Deschamps: “It’s an immense pride to be in the quarter-finals again”, “So you always have to have a little restraint”

The coach's joy after the final whistle. MAXPPP – FRIEDEMANN VOGEL

The coach of the France team returned at a press conference to the victory of the Blues against Belgium (1-0) in the round of 16, qualifying them for the quarterfinals of this Euro 2024, Monday 1st. ;July.

Why France is scary?

You should ask them. We play against teams that usually have much more possession. Today, we made a lot of progress on that and the opponent is obviously more cautious even if the Belgian team, on paper, was relatively offensive. But they had more withdrawn positions. On our side too, even if we did everything to score, we created a lot more chances than Belgium. We were careful, intelligent in not giving them the spaces they wanted.

Even though they had two or three chances, we have this ability today to be able to control our matches a little more, to have more of the ball. Against the Netherlands, it was even more the case. It's something I appreciate even if it doesn't win matches. But it's better to have the ball, attack and force the opponent to defend. Even if the Belgians did it well with their attackers, the four up front.

We didn't get caught in a trap, we did what we had to. The only regret is the number of shots we had. By putting too much power, it goes off target. But it's a huge source of pride to be in the quarter-finals again. Even if we're expected to be there, I understand it, we shouldn't trivialize and appreciate it. Then I have Jules Koundé that you've been training me for 2 years who is man of the match. Kolo, let's not even mention him, who is a scorer. So everything is fine. Which shows that you always have to have a little restraint.

You exulted a lot with your staff. Is it because the match was down to the wire ?

It’was a high level match, obviously very close. I spoke with Tedesco at the end. I understand that it’s cruel in the end for him, even if we did more than the opponent. I don't know if we were more or less demonstrative. That’s what I tell my staff, to appreciate every moment, nothing comes for free. We're not going to get excited, we're in the quarter-finals but it was an important shift for us to qualify this evening.

What pushed you to start Griezmann on the right ? How do you judge his performance ?

There was no doubt in my mind about starting him. Afterwards, it’s a question of balance. You started with a square, a diamond, etc., whatever. But there is always the possibility of having one or two players who are not in their best position. But I know Antoine, he regularly plays with his club, he has the ability to adapt. He was very interesting with the ball, even if he could be even more efficient. Especially in the grid of the field, if Jules Koundé had such a match… He’s an intelligent person, he has the ability, likes big matches. I know I can count on him.

Why did you choose Randal Kolo Muani on the bench ? Can this goal chase away the demons of the 2022 World Cup ?

Before the final (in 2022) and this occasion (against Argentina) which could have changed a lot of things, Randal had done a lot of good things. I trust him, he knows it. If I bring it in, it’s because I think it has more of the characteristics to cause problems with a Belgian hinge that isn’t very fast. He knows he has a positive environment, he is full of confidence even if I haven't had to use him much. But in his character, which can seem a little casual, the outside has no influence over him. And if he has to strike, he doesn't tremble, he strikes.

Finally we ask ourselves questions about attack rather than defense, unlike at the start of the Euro. Is your defense ahead of the expected passage times ?

We have defensive solidity which is interesting. It is essential at this level even if we start from afar, and it has not been easy for everyone. It's not just about defending well, it's about using the ball, starting from behind. We have good control. I'm not going to separate each line but they do everything necessary to ensure that we don't concede a goal. Afterwards, even if we only put one on tonight, that’s enough for us.

Is it hard for attackers to score?

An own goal, if it is deflected, I'm fine with it but you have to strike first. As much as the one scored against Austria… But we pushed the defender to make a mistake. I watch all the matches, even when there is a gap between the teams on paper, there is a lot of intensity. This goal is enough for us to qualify. We have always had the ability to score more. It’s a little more complicated at the Euro. But we have a lot of opportunities, six or seven tonight. We have to force destiny, so that it doesn't become a psychological blockage. We'll work on it.

The team did not concede a goal in the game during this Euro. Feel your defenders gaining strength ?

Obviously, because they are confident. Today, Koundé was more offensive than Hernandez. They are high level players. This is their merit. But you saw where they play ? Barcelona, ​​AC Milan, Arsenal, Bayern, that's it. That they don’t have a life together, yes. But when I feel that it is better to put one rather than the other…hellip; I know that I have very high level players. Few returned today. But I can count on the whole group.

Mbappé played with his mask again. Is it perfectible ?

He's getting used to it. What is important is consolidation. Despite everything, there is the sweating aspect with the efforts. I haven't tried his mask but from what he tells me, he has the impression of seeing in 3D. Even if it's tenths of a second, it can lead to less clear vision. He will have to get used to it, he may wear it for a few weeks or months.

The game has tilted to the right. Did you target it ? Have the instructions changed ?

No, it’s because Jules (Koundé) is full of confidence. I didn't tell him "stay, defend”. It’s good that we had this balance. Having Griezmann in front of him has a lot to do with it. So much the better because we always tend to exaggerate on the left side and not always have the alternation. It’s more difficult for the opponent if we manage to have danger on both sides.