These Blues no longer know how to win and even less to seduce. Hooked by Bosnia-Herzegovina (1-1), Wednesday 1er September, in Strasbourg, France continues with a fourth draw in a row. Because, if it sounds like a defeat and always hurts the heads, the elimination against Switzerland on penalties in the round of 16 of the Euro is officially considered a draw.
From this still fresh story, coach Didier Deschamps did not want to hear too much about it: ” We cannot change anything about what happened ”, he whispered at a press conference on the eve of this return to school as part of the qualifications for the 2022 World Cup. For the inventory self-duty, we will come back.
However, there was an air of Budapest or Bucharest at the Meinau stadium – and its noisy 21,500 spectators -, the heat wave less and the comforting smell of flamekueche more compared to the last European Championship. From this failed tournament, the Blues have kept some evils between defensive feverishness, tactical improvisation and inability to change pace.
Three months ago, this team was to travel to Europe; today, she gives the impression of not really knowing where to go. It is possible that we (and not only in France) saw it more beautiful than it was with the return of Karim Benzema, forgetting a little quickly that it was not every evening caviars and champagne for three years for world champions.
Koundé, right back upset and sent off
In 2021, Didier Deschamps has also used six tactical schemes. Proof that he seeks but does not find the right formula. The return to a classic 4-3-3 (four defenders, three midfielders and three attackers) should bring some guarantees. As against Germany in the opening – successful – of the Euro (1-0), Antoine Griezmann was kindly asked to go to the right side of the attack.
The idea is always the same: to find a way to bring together the Mbappé-Benzema-Griezmann trio. For the moment, the agreement is not obvious. But the coach has waited too long to align these three to resolve to think about an alternative, especially after only 531 minutes of life together.
Beside, other choices challenge. Rather ask poor Jules Koundé still aligned as a right-back, him, the axial defender of heart and profession. Yes, the Sevillian helps out in this position (without being difficult with the top of his three selections) and Thomas Lemar can also be considered as a relay midfielder. But system D has its limits. Thus, the second – in distress on the lawn – is at the origin of the Bosnian goal with a “decisive pass” to Edin Dzeko (36e), while Koundé saw red on the restart for a dangerous tackle 95 meters from his goals.
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