The Monday tackle – The return of luck to Deschamps


CHRONIC. The Blues arrive weakened in Qatar, for the World Cup. But if, on the contrary, the coach was the big winner of the chaos.




By Florent Barraco

Didier Deschamps, the return of the strong man?
Didier Deschamps, the return of the strong man?
© FRANCK FIFE / AFP

I subscribe to 1€ the 1st month


SOn the (black) board, this World Cup promises to be a long way of the cross for the France team. A shovel of injuries, players lacking confidence, a deleterious situation at the French Football Federation and poor results – only three victories in 2022. If we add the famous curse of the defending champions (France 2002, Italy 2002 , Spain 2014, Germany 2018), a boycott of the Blues for political reasons could almost pass for a courageous act, when it is ultimately a question of saving face. While Didier Deschamps must give his list of players for the World Cup this Wednesday, we say that there is cause for hope: the famous “DD cat” is back.

Stay stable on your crampons, you read that right. We thought that since the elimination of France against Switzerland at the Euro, luck had fled the most successful footballer in our country. That he had lost the keys. We even thought of the sequel: Zidane and his various triumphs at the head of Real Madrid. But, finally, on closer inspection, we come to think that injuries and blows of fate are in fact a chance for our Blues to do well in Qatar.

READ ALSOOne month before the World Cup, the fear of flop for the Blues

Take the example of Paul Pogba. The Juventus Turin player will not play in the World Cup. Disaster ? Or dare we say fortunately? In difficulty on the pitch since Euro 2021, Pogba has destabilized the environment of the Blues: the “Marabout” affair, whether true or false, sent us back to the good times of Zahia-Ribéry (2010) or of Benzema-Valbuena. Can we do worse in terms of team cohesion? The cohabitation between Pogba and Mbappé, despite the usual reconciliations, would have been sport – like the end of the Euro in blood sausage with the parents arguing in the middle of the stands! His case is settled. It is in a serene spirit and without animosity that the group will be able to evolve – except for new business.

Give Deschamps 11 soldiers, he will make you world champions!

Faced with the rain of injuries (Kanté) and uncertainties (Varane, Kimpembe, Koundé, Benzema), Deschamps will be able to design a list that suits him. A group of 23, and not 23 individuals, as was the case during the Euro. The coach is the best when he composes “his” team without any media pressure. With less ego – there remains a difficult one to manage, the “French genius” Mbappé! –, Deschamps once again becomes the sole boss of the team; the one who carries the collective by his thirst for winning. The former coach of Monaco and Marseille is capable of sublimating good players: give Deschamps 11 soldiers, he will make you world champions!

READ ALSOFOG – Didier Deschamps, the anti-Macron

With Olivier Giroud in full blowback, a solid defense, good soldiers finally rid of an ambitious game plan and a still favorable draw, the Blues can be the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain their title. Hope gives life. Before the first match of the Blues against Australia, on November 21, we can meditate on this Hugolian incantation: “Be lucky, you will have the rest. »




Source link -82