"Exceptional" stop by Maignan, goal by Pavard, character of the Blues: The words of Deschamps after Ireland-France

There are a lot of positives (to remember), obviously to have six points in two games, to have scored five goals without having conceded a single one, in a schedule that did not give us a gift with the Netherlands at the start of game and a difficult trip to Dublin three days later, it's appreciable.

We were less radiant today (Monday evening), against an opponent who defended well.

We had fewer chances, but these are always matches that you have to win, by the state of mind and the character, we managed to keep this goal in advance.

Mike's save (Maignan, late in the game)… Sometimes there are goals that count, but his save is worth more than a goal.

It's like the group.

I am very happy and very proud.

6 points in two games is a very good start.

You have to appreciate.

It's an exceptional stop.

I'm not surprised because I know what Mike is capable of.

He replaces Hugo Lloris who also made great saves.

He has all the qualities, the stature and the mind because he is a leader.

Through the penalties he saved, but above all this shot which is worth more than the penalty… I had no doubts or uncertainty, he has the relay to take with the transfer of power from Hugo (Lloris).

When he's in full possession of his means, it's at a very high level.

He did not play a match (7 in a row) because it was the World Cup.

To redo a little history, he had a very complicated first match (in Qatar, against Australia) and after Jules Koundé took over and kept him.

Benjamin has been the holder in previous years, Jules had followed but that does not mean that Benji was dismissed.

Today (against Ireland), because of Jules' fatigue, Benjamin has the experience and has been established.

I am very happy for him, after a difficult period, despite his personal disappointment, he has kept a good state of mind.

Good for him.

No one is left out, all players can have tough times, and they have to show things when they get the chance to play.

It's very good for him and especially for the group.

In the relationship of trust, you have to encourage them and also say when things are not going well.

Benjamin knew the why and how (of his sidelining), I spoke to him again before this course, to prepare him and see what he was going to answer me.

I don't have a radical position… He has the experience, is a club starter, but today, through what he has done, the confidence gauge should go up.

There are a lot of positives for him, because of what he is able to do.

Although against Ireland there was little space.

He is full of confidence, in the continuity of what he had done with us and what he is doing with his club.

He dribbles, hits, moves on the front of the attack… He is above all an axial striker, but that does not prevent him from playing on the side.

He necessarily takes up space, on what he achieved in these two matches (against the Netherlands and Ireland).

One did not prevent the other (from playing side or midfield).

Above all, he is a midfielder who has the ability to be very good also on the left in defence.

He returned on Friday (against the Netherlands, in the middle) and started this evening (against Ireland), he is confident, has a lot of activity, can recover the balls, but he also remains a very good solution on the left.

He had a full game.