That’s the end of this press conference.
Didier Deschamps didn’t evade any subject, even if he didn’t really get to the heart of the matter on any.
Concerning the Pogba case, he recalled that he would only compete in the world if he was fit. On the case itself, Deschamps recalled that Pogba is “solid, with character”.
On the Le Graët case and the affairs of the federation, Deschamps was much more wavering, recalling his closeness to NLG, but not venturing out of the sports sector, explaining all the same that a number of untruths had been published without detailing which ones .
On maraboutage, perhaps the most surprising question, he ensured respect for all beliefs.
On football topics, he said he did not yet know if he would select 23 or 26 players, as he will have the possibility and left the margin to experiment with different systems for these two matches which will be the last before world Cup.
Which system, defense at 3.4 or 5?
I can do everything. In June, with the repetition of matches and injuries, I did not go with this idea (going back to 4), I still have this possibility. The goal is still to put the players in the conditions of what I intend to do at the World Cup. Benjamin Pavard was in a system in his club where he played at 3, he went back to 4. he has always been a full-back. He is a central defender by training but who is able to play in both positions, even if there it is more like a lane player. I know that for you, Jules Koundé is not a full back. Yet Barça bought him very expensive and made him play full-back. The ideal is to have everything, to know how to defend well and also bring to the offensive level. But these are adjustments. There are more or less suitable profiles, even if some players have this versatility which can be an asset.
On the absence of Ben Yedder
“He is going through a period that is not the best for him. He has been called up regularly with us. The situation is special there too, that does not prevent me from seeing other players too. They are not players who are used to coming.”
Does maraboutage mean anything to you?
“Yes, it’s something that’s been around for a long time. Everyone has this freedom of belief. I don’t have a problem with that. If it makes some people feel better psychologically or otherwise… It’s part of the environment of sport and even beyond.”
A list of 23 or 26?
I’m not going to answer you yet, I have time to choose, but what I’m sure of is that it’s easier to win games at 23 than at 26.
Does that annoy you?
There is nothing that annoys me but it is not the most peaceful climate that I have known. It’s instantaneous, it’s a lot of buzz, telling truths that are not. Afterwards, I am not going to answer each specific point. In relation to the sporting part, and if I tell myself that there can be more or less the same things… obviously, it’s not ideal, but unity and internal strength is there, but we are not immune to a statement, I don’t know what could have happened, what can happen. There may be people who say I know and who don’t know. But it brings a climate a little… quite disturbed, but not disturbing as far as I’m concerned. But at all times, there has always been a more or less calm environment.”
On the Le Graët case. Should he continue to be president?
It’s not my domain, I spoke to him for a long time yesterday. If I only refer to the sports part, there is so much false information. The president is fine, he is in great shape. Afterwards, to each his own interpretation. Today, it is difficult to sort out.
On the Griezmann case which plays little
“At least he’s not tired. He has a situation that you know in a bit or completely that limits his playing time. He remains an important and decisive player for his club. He aspires to better, to more. It’s been a good moment he hasn’t done a full 90 minutes.”
If Pogba is fit but hasn’t played for Juventus, would he go?
“No, he won’t come if he’s not fit. If he’s coming to come… He doesn’t want that either. It’s inconceivable. The number of players who will be there, they will all be ready to play. there may be disparities on the athletic level. Afterwards it is a question in relation to the competition, he will not come just because he is part of the executives. Those who will be selected will be able to answer these requirements.”
On the Pogba case
Do not ask me to intervene in stories, created, recreated, today, justice does its job. But despite everything, he is someone who is solid, who has character and he is focused on the field.
Pogba in the list and the trip to Qatar?
“It is impossible today to affirm anything that through the intervention and the protocol it is going well? Yes, there is a delay with a more or less long range. I know very well Paul with whom I talk regularly. Today, no one, even him, can say whether he will be there. I don’t know if he can be cured. And since I’ve been here, I’ve never for a single final tournament taken a player if he was not fully recovered. Paul, he’s not a GO, he’s not here to amuse the gallery. If he is recovered, it would be a very good thing. Afterwards, in a physical condition. .. It’s a question mark.
Benzema and Giroud?
“The situation today, he is there.”
The list of 23 players for the two matches
3 new players: Badiashile, Fofana and Kolo Muani
The list:
Goalkeepers: Areola, Lloris, Maignan
Defenders: Badiashile, Clauss, T.Hernandez, F.Mendy, Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Varane, Pavard
Midfielders: Camavinga, Fofana, Guendouzi, Rabiot, Tchouaméni
Forwards: Dembele, Giroud, Griezmann, Kolo Muani, Mbappé, Nkunku
Info RMC Sport – Badiashile and Youssouf Fofana called for the first time
The Monegasques Benoît Badiashile and Youssouf Fofana will be called up for the first time by Didier Deschamps.
F.Hawkins
More information here.
The jerseys of the Blues for the World Cup unveiled
Blue jersey with very sober gold elements for the home, white with a pattern inspired by the Toile de Jouy for the outer tunic.
>>> more info on the new jerseys of the Blues
List at 2 p.m.
It is at 2 p.m., from the headquarters of the FFF, that Didier Deschamps will reveal his list of Blues selected for the reception of Austria and the trip to Denmark in the League of Nations, on September 22 and 25. The last list before the World Cup.