Didier Deschamps, the coach of the Blues, was at a press conference on Monday, the day the players arrived at Clairefontaine before leaving for the World Cup in Qatar.
“What logic responds to the summons of Marcus Thuram? Does this mean that another offensive element is in trouble?
No. It’s true that I made a first list of 25, I had a dead line. In my mind, I knew I was going to take a 26th, I preferred to take a step back from this weekend’s matches. To have the clearest possible photograph. From when yesterday (sunday) evening I had this photographer, I took the player I had in mind last Wednesday. It’s not in relation to Karim or another striker. It’s a balance in the roster versus defensive or offensive elements.
Presnel Kimpembe is forfeited: why did you choose a right-hander with Axel Disasi?
For Kim, everything has been done to allow her to be available. Afterwards, there is reality, that of Wednesday, not that of today. There is his physical situation and his feelings too. He is an honest person, he had the honesty to face reality. Even if it is painful. tomorrow (tuesday)we are eight days away from the first match (against Australia), we are going to have battles to fight. Kim does not have all the elements to be ready. Left-handed, right-handed, in a defense of 3, I would have favored a left-handed person, there are right-handed players who can play on the left. Axel (Disasi) completes the group of 26, he will arrive as soon as possible. He is right axial, even if he has the ability to play on the right.
“On defensive abilities, Axel (Disasi) has demonstrated for several weeks, several months… He could have come before”
Didier Deschamps, coach of the Blues
Did you hesitate with Benoit Badiashile?
He did some interesting things with us, it was in a three-man defense, which is different. Benoit is younger than Axel. On defensive abilities, Axel has demonstrated for several weeks, several months… He could have come before. We’ve been following him for quite some time.
Do you still consider Lucas Hernandez to be a left-back?
Yes, he is on the left side, I will not change. I consider him a left-back.
What is the hierarchy in this left axial position? Do you know what you will face against Australia?
Konate and Upamecano. I already know what I will do against Australia.
How is Raphaël Varane, hit in the hamstrings?
He is in his protocol, he accelerated all his athletic work, he touched the ball. He has steps to take between now and Thursday. He is fine. He has good feelings. We are not going to cut corners. He is supposed to be available for the first game. »