In the second round of Group E matches at the European Championship, France will face their toughest opponent, the Netherlands. Ahead of the game, French national team coach Didier Deschamps addressed the media in a press conference.
On the Netherlands, Deschamps said: “They have an advantage in terms of physicality, but we’ve done a lot of work to optimize our recovery. Our objective is solely to progress. We need more control of the ball to put them on the back foot. I don’t want the team to enter this match primarily focused on defending, even though we can do that if necessary.”
About Mbappe’s situation, Deschamps commented: “Kylian has been working closely with the medical staff, and everything is progressing well. He’s already back in training, and we’re doing everything possible for him to be available tomorrow. If he plays, he’ll wear a mask. Changing the system without Mbappe? You’ve given me a tricky question! I try to discuss with the players, everyone is ready, it’s a team effort. We must always be prepared, and I don’t treat any player differently within the squad.”
Regarding Griezmann, Deschamps stated: “Obviously, we know he wasn’t at his best against Austria. The more he touches the ball, the better it is for France; the more accurate his passes, the more it benefits us. Antoine’s influence on the game is a crucial part of our tactics, and he’s used to playing consistently. Despite playing in different positions for his club, I have complete trust in him.”
On the overall quality of the Euro tournament, Deschamps remarked: “I don’t want to compare it to 2016 or 2021. In the first round, all the matches showed great intensity. Of course, the German climate helps, without extreme heat, and players are better prepared. In the first round, freshness was evident, and from what I’ve seen in the second round so far, the level of play remains very high. All teams are well-organized, and the pace of the games is fast.”
Deschamps: Parking the bus against the Netherlands is not the solution – We must dominate with possession to pressure them. Author：Sports UEFA.Please indicate the source when reproduced：https://www.sportsuefa.com/football-world/deschamps-parking-the-bus-against-the-netherlands-is-not-the-solution-we-must-dominate-with-possession-to-pressure-them.html
