What spell could Emiliano Martínez cast on Deschamps and his close circle? By deflecting Randal Kolo Muani’s final strike and derailing the French in the penalty shootout of the World Cup final, the Argentine goalkeeper did more than deprive the Blues of a third star: it seems having shattered quite a few immunity and invincibility totems. Since that evening in Doha, a moment “not unusual”Who “affected a lot of people” and of which he “ we have to feed ourselves, even if we don’t live with the past », according to the tricolor general, several of his certainties have evaporated. This famous winner is already winning, but also several retired executives, a federation president with whom the coach seemed to have sealed an unbreakable pact, a cumbersome general manager, the last hopes of seeing his relationship with Karim Benzema normalize and a form of impunity that could last as long as the sacrosanct results could follow. Three months later, back on solid ground, Didier Deschamps can take a quick look: all that remains is his track record, a staff that is still loyal, five world champions on the list (Areola, Pavard, Giroud, Griezmann and Mbappé) and a language of wood, always well hung.
Crisis com, level 23
Once paid tribute to a leader gone for real – Claude Simonet, who died on Tuesday at the age of 92, with whom Deschamps had “the privilege of sharing in (her) first life unforgettable moments » including the 1998 world title – once the 23 names that will accompany him in the writing of a new international page have been listed, the boss of the Blues has spent his time slaloming between the annoying questions. The first explosive subject to be put on the table: the Benzema case. A pass of arms by media or social networks interposed is played out between the two protagonists, about the story of his departure in the middle of the night from Qatar once the package of the New acted, and in which the Basque is presented by the latter as a clown and/or a liar. What Didier Deschamps replied to “ very quietly », but not without tension: “ I know this is a subject that interests you, which can lead to debates and polemics. I had to speak recently to say what had happened. This is a subject that for me is closed. (…) For me what is important is what is ahead of us, it is the future and these two matches which await us with the 23 players called up today. » A follow-up on the consequences that this could have on the blue institution? “Disturbances, we have known them, there have always been some, but you will not get another word from me. »
I know that I am granted decision-making powers where I do not even put a finger, what do you want me to tell you.
Do we move on? The Stade de France which could be sold. “Oh well, I was prepared for everything, but this one a little less”blushes Deschamps, invited to put on his treasurer’s cap. “ This stage represents many things, but in the operation and the interest of each other… I know that I am granted decision-making powers where I do not even put a finger, what do you want me to tell you. I don’t care about all that. » So the patching up with Benjamin Pavard, who had gone through a funny World Cup and is present in this list, maybe he has something to do with it? “We discussed it a lot before, during and after the World Cup. We will not go back to it, it already belongs to the past. I know, he knows, so the important thing is what’s ahead. » Next.
Creak at the curtain
Next? We have to wait until the very end of the press conference to come across the two thorny subjects, approached like so many final bosses: Noël Le Graët and Corinne Deacon, two names removed from the federal lists in recent weeks. Regarding the departure of the Guingamp tycoon and the change of governance: “I don’t apprehend (the following) but, the key word, I adapt. There is a functioning that can be different, even if I obviously discussed several times with President Philippe Diallo. We have a common interest, that the France team works well. It’s not something negative that weighs on me: I take note and I adapt. » At the moment of a last step aside to evoke the sling of the players responsible for the eviction of his counterpart at the head of the Blue, it is a “ AIE Aie Aie » which escapes him spontaneously. “Ah you spare me nothing! I don’t want to laugh about it, I have to weigh each of my words, already that I don’t have the ins and outs. I won’t talk about the decision, but there is substance and form. As a coach and trainer, on form, it bothers me. I’m not going to say more, but you understood me. » Keep face, at all costs, before the field regains its rights, that is the challenge of the first coach of France. And from the next kick-off (against the Netherlands, Friday March 24 at 8:45 p.m.), the words ” results “, ” experience “ And ” performance ” can resume their function as a lightning rod.
Kanté and Pogba in Blues: already ancient history?
Statement by Deschamps recorded at a press conference by MR.
