Mission accomplished. The Blues crushed Ukraine this Thursday evening at the Parc des Princes (4-0) in a sleepy game that was carried away after the first goal, a panenka from Kylian Mbappé through a penalty. Satisfied, the national team coach, Didier Deschamps, came to deliver his analysis at the press conference after the match. “Are you sad?” he said to the silent audience as an opening to lighten the atmosphere.
What feelings dominate?
DESCAMPS DIDIER. There is a goal. We did it! I enjoy it. I understand that it is logical and normal for France to qualify but there are always opponents. We couldn’t get away before. There’s a lot of pride. We don’t take it lightly. I’m not an expressive person. I appreciate it. You have to cherish these moments. I didn’t have the opportunity to go to America as a player. I’m going to meet him!
Explanation of Michael Olise’s performance?
He has this technical quality. There is always a solution. In the axial direction, he has more space and expresses himself more. He is not always at his best because of the number of games he plays, but that is a very important element.
Did you find strength during this qualification?
Some have playtime. But too many were hurt. This is my regret. We cannot repeat what we have started to do. The state of mind is still very good. There are many players who could qualify for the French team.
Goalscorer, collective, connected with staff and public, is Kylian Mbappé fully captain of the Blues?
He is in a very good period. In his head and body, he has regained his best level. When he took over, he did very well. It brings together the youngest and the oldest. He embraced his role as captain and leader. He listens, he learns. That’s Kylian! You are very demanding of him and him alone. He radiates happiness, it can be seen, it can be felt even though he is experiencing more complicated times. I always say that the French team will be stronger with him. Nowadays, it is difficult to play for the opponent. The season is long, he’s playing a lot, keep it up!
What about Rayan Cherki’s match?
He returns. He also didn’t have much experience. He has this technical quality. He likes to touch the ball, sometimes in areas that are too low compared to our midfielders. I know he can change the course of a match. He needs continuity. The demands now on French clubs and teams are higher.
Do you dream of America’s third star?
I’m not dreaming. We will do everything, of course the players too. We are about to pass the first round.
“I will definitely shoot in Azerbaijan”
Can you define your goals during this 2026 World Cup? ?
I’m pragmatic. We’ll start with the game on Sunday. It’s March now, preparations. It’s a new format, with more teams, there are some complications there. We will speed up preparations with staff. We will find out on December 5 with whom and where. This will determine what happens next. We will have ambition, yes. There are steps to take beforehand, climate conditions to consider, knowing the recovery time between matches. We have an obligation to make sure we go as far as possible.
Would you return players to their clubs before Azerbaijan?
Camavinga leaves tomorrow (this Friday, November 14). He experienced muscle discomfort. Manu Koné will not be coming either. Some play a lot. I’m not saying yes, I’m not saying no. We will leave at least 23 o’clock. What is certain is that I will be filming in Azerbaijan.
