This is the kind of end of the match that we will have to avoid in four months.
For their entry into the Olympic tournament, on July 24 in Marseille, against these same Americans.
While they seemed to have folded the game thanks to a sublime goal from Lensois Andy Diouf (2-0, 77th), Thierry Henry's Bleuets were unable to keep their advantage in the final moments on Monday, conceding two American goals suddenly. immediately (86th, 89th).
There was fatigue, heavy legs, a little relaxation also in the French ranks who lost several players to injury (Gusto, Barcola) or illness (Yoro, Millot) in recent days.
“They could make changes,” recalled Thierry Henry coldly after the match.
We had a total physical decline in the last 25 minutes.
I found the team quite interesting in the first half, I knew we were going to suffer at the end.
But it's an exercise that we sought... To win a competition, you have to know how to play in the red.
This is super important.
It was a very rich exercise for me.
To find out who could play in the red.
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“There are some pretty clear things in terms of the game. I know the positions”
It was the last opportunity to show off before the list of 18 players + 4 reserves which must be announced before the end of May.
“It’s in the title, since it was the last match,” laughed Thierry Henry when the question was asked.
He obtained answers, at least confirmations, on the needs that will be his, particularly in the choice of the three players over 23 who will complete his group.
“There are some pretty clear things in terms of the game. I know the positions,” confirmed the coach who, as we know, should opt for offensive players as a priority.
While the Tricolores will have three friendly matches on the program this summer (July 4, July 11 and July 17), the former Gunner has already been able to gauge the respondent from the United States, the Blues' first opponent at the Olympics (July 24, in Marseille ).
Apart from a terrible end to the match, without energy, his team largely held the match for a good half.
“I know this American team very well.
It's difficult, it builds speed, it goes deep, it repeats the races.
At times, we were equal, and even more,” said Thierry Henry.
France seemed superior in many areas, it's true, especially lacking explosiveness in transitions.
We can still imagine that it will gain momentum in a few weeks.