The coach of the Blues answered questions from the media after the qualification of the Blues for the semi-final of the Euro at the expense of Portugal (0-0, 5 tab to 3) on Friday evening.
Special Envoy to Hamburg
First victory for the Blues on penalties since 1998
“I was there in 1998 (quarter-final against Italy at the World Cup), but it’s true that it was a very tough match (Friday). It was more complicated in extra time, we felt tired. The penalties were well taken. So much the better. It’s a source of pride, even if we don’t do everything perfectly. We don’t give up.”
France in the semi-finals with only 3 goals scored
“We still scored. If we scored goals then (embarrassed smile), what would it be? Opposite, they weren’t efficient either, even if they came up against a great Mike Maignan. Isn’t that a way of telling me that our place is usurped? We have a solidity that is exemplary. And when you don’t score goals, you shouldn’t concede any. I would prefer our efficiency to be better.”
Also read: Portugal-France: Maignan unbeatable, Griezmann and Mbappé off the mark… The Blues’ ratings
The Euro failed, for the moment, of Mbappé and Griezmann
“You are still so harsh. For different reasons, Kylian and Antoine are not at their best. I will always defend them. It is not the same situation. We are qualified, despite that. The two are supposed to bring us the efficiency that we do not have, but they hang on, are in a group, and beyond the qualities, the collective strength is always there. Some have taken over, very well even. There were good entries. It is very good.”
The solidity of the Blues
“I am a defensive coach, I make my team play like that (laughs). There were questions before the Euro about the defense and certain players. (William) Saliba, today, he lacks nothing. The fact of being together, there are automatisms. I can’t separate the midfielders either, the two central players are very good in duels and one against one, are not bothered by the ball. We also have a very good goalkeeper, who takes up a lot of space. It’s the radiant part, it’s important. It’s a great success so far. We don’t have everything, we have that. We go through, we are in the semi-final. I am very happy and we must appreciate it. The credit goes to the players and they have a lot of it.”
The choice of five shooters
“Random! I do everything randomly. No, but I chose based on experience. I wanted to bring in Olivier (Giroud), who should have been one of the 5 shooters, but the referee didn’t register it, he couldn’t be there. I know who is more comfortable than the others. All penalties are important. We’re not going to force someone to shoot first. Just having the 5 is already good. They showed up.”
If he approached penalties differently than in 2022
“We are feeding off the last World Cup (defeat in the final against Argentina in this exercise). It is a technical gesture in a particular moment, in a power struggle with the goalkeeper. We were facing the forest of Portuguese supporters. If it is well shot, the goalkeeper has no chance. I am not going to say, now we know (how to shoot them). The most important thing is calm. That is what Kylian (Mbappé) said to all the players who had to shoot.”
Mbappé’s exit
“It was starting to drag, already a little before. Kylian is very honest with me and the group. From the moment he no longer has the capacity to accelerate… With the deficit he has, his back problem, his nose, he hangs on. He is not in the best shape, he knows it. With the efforts and the time passing, he was very tired.”