The most important game as a coach
Corinne Deacon:
“I have already said it, my personal case does not matter.
What is interesting is to see how the team will behave.
Today, we all want to experience this competition well.
We look forward, while obviously being aware of the past.
All the players have not known these last ten years.
We are only focused on this competition.
We are looking towards the near future, tomorrow's game.
Who is the favourite?
Corinne Deacon:
“The Netherlands are holders of the title, so if there must be a favorite, it is rather them.
Especially since everyone keeps telling us that we can't make it past the quarter-finals.
So I doubt that we are favorites on this quarter.
A qualification like a release?
Wendie Renard:
“Our goal is to qualify.
After a release, I don't think it's an end in itself to reach the quarter-finals.
Even if it is true that it has been several years that we have not been able to pass this course.
It will be necessary to give everything on 90 minutes minimum.
We know that we will have to suffer together, also have fun together, play, let go, take risks… Everything that we like to do when we are on a football field, that we will have to do collectively.
It is together that we can change the course of history.”
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Pressure management
Wendie Renard:
“It's a football match to play, where you have to have fun.
Indeed, the history is there with our various failures in quarters.
Throughout the week, the players who appeared in front of the press were necessarily questioned about it.
Mentally, it's legitimate to have that in the back of your mind.
But the objective for this quarter will be to stay focused on the green rectangle and start well as we have done in our last matches.
The starting XI
Corinne Deacon:
“I already have my team in mind.
No worries.
But it will remain in my head, as usual.
Vivianne Miedema
Wendie Renard:
“I think it's normal for the opposing coach to keep the suspense around his presence or not at kick-off.
Afterwards, knowing the player, she is a competitor and I know that she will be very keen to play this match.
She is a world-class player, with a lot of qualities.
She is very technical and knows how to keep the ball back to goal to play her partners.
But it's not just Miedema in this team, it's a group that is defending champion and vice-world champion.
It will be up to us to be strong collectively.”
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The offensive potential of the Blues
Corinne Deacon:
“I think we found a certain complementarity.
Our offensive players are well helped by those who are just behind.
We also have a very good defensive base because we can't just attack.
I believe that our team is more a collective, than simply a powerful attack.
The central defense
Corinne Deacon:
“The reflection, on my side, there is more since I already have my eleven in mind.
Now I'm waiting for the last training because anything can always happen.
Wendie knows her two partners very well and she also has a lot of experience.
Each must be capable and that's what they do when they have to play together.
There is no automation problem, on the contrary.
The main thing is that the defense is efficient.
Wendie Renard:
“We didn't specifically discuss the subject with the coach.
It is she who decides, who makes her decisions and as she has just said, no matter who plays, the important thing is to give the maximum and to communicate well because it goes quickly.