“
There has to be a total reassessment.
It's not our status that will win us games.
You shouldn't see yourself too handsome.
I will live a studious summer and a studious return
.”
On June 13, in the bays of the Stade de France after a defeat against Croatia (0-1), synonymous with last place in the League of Nations and the final opus of a catastrophic month of June (2 draws and 2 losses), Didier Deschamps had not hidden his anger.
For crystal clear focus.
Three months later, another context and another atmosphere.
After the serene and successful victory Thursday against Austria (2-0), smiles were perceptible Friday morning on the tired faces of the winners and a wind of lightness floated on the side of Enghien-les-Bains where the Blues were staying before their leaving for Copenhagen this Saturday morning.
Back on an evening rich in lessons.
The Blues in their bubble, regained state of mind
Gathered since Monday at Clairefontaine, the internationals have found a staff more united than ever despite the many extra-sporting affairs that rot French football.
In essence, Didier Deschamps instructed his troops to disregard context and focus on just one thing: the pitch.
Message received.
If Austria revealed a weak level, the selection of Ralf Rangnick, who had moved the Blues in June (1-1 in Vienna), could have left with a larger gap from the Stade de France.
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Surly, aggressive, united and not lacking in talent, the partners of Raphaël Varane, promoted to captain in the absence of Lloris, met their boss' expectations.
Who did not hesitate to congratulate them in the locker room, happy to see a completely different state of mind and the return of a certain freshness.
“
We didn't want to lose, or go down to Ligue B
, admits Kylian Mbappé, decisive and twirling in Saint-Denis.
When you are France, not winning for a whole rally
,
that poses a bit of a problem, but we had no doubts, we were sure of our strength
.
The job is not finished.
From Friday morning, the staff welcomed Steve Mandanda, back to compensate for Mike Maignan's package, before collecting information from Jean-Luc Vannuchi, eye of the selection during Croatia-Denmark (2-1).
With an almost immediate switch to the Sunday evening meeting (8:45 p.m., TF1), synonymous with the last match before Qatar (November 20-December 18).
Executives at the rendezvous
Despite notable absentees (Lloris, Pogba, Kanté, Benzema), the France team was able to count on the good performances of certain executives on the side of Saint-Denis.
Behind, Raphaël Varane reigned supreme and confirmed that with this level he had no equivalent in selection.
In the middle, Aurélien Tchouaméni (21 years old, 13 selections), the man who was worth 100 million euros after his transfer to Real Madrid, reveals a high-flying insurance, worthy of an old grognard.
In front, the Griezmann-Giroud-Mbappé trio gave complete satisfaction, with a special mention to the last two named, scorers and above all authors of a match accomplished from start to finish.
These two, watched a little more due to the absence of Benzema and a relationship that has not always been radiant, have hinted at beautiful things.
On and off the pitch.
To the point of seeing the Parisian salute the performance of the Milanese, now two units from Thierry Henry's record (49 goals against 51) in the France team.
Sign that times are changing after a failed Euro 2021.
And that Giroud's candidacy for the World Cup has never seemed so credible.
A substantial reservoir despite the carnage
Optimistic by nature and aware of having to constantly adapt, Didier Deschamps was forced to proceed in this way in the face of numerous pre-assembly packages (Lloris, Kimpembe, the Hernandez brothers, Konaté, Digne, Pogba, Kanté, Rabiot , Kamara, Coman, Benzema) to which Koundé and Maignan were added on Thursday.
Seeing the glass half full, this situation allowed rookies Benoît Badiashile and Youssouf Fofana to burst the screen at the Stade de France.
To the point of logically believing in a place for the World Cup.
“The French breeding ground is incredible”,
recognizes Kylian Mbappé.
Sunday evening in Copenhagen, a final opportunity to shine will present itself for all these little people.
Afterwards, it will (already) be too late.