On July 15th, Beijing time, in the World Cup semi-final, France lost 0-2 to Spain. After the match, French coach Didier Deschamps attended the press conference.
Do you think the French team got a lesson in football from the Spanish team tonight?
Deschamps: Without a doubt, Spain is a very strong team, and they proved that tonight. We certainly didn't perform to our potential. We made some mistakes, especially technical ones, more than in previous matches. Of course, there were other factors as well. Although I initially thought the team's recovery was good, we were indeed on the back foot for a period today.
Of course, I have some high-level players on my bench, but Saliba's injury and Rabiot's risk due to a yellow card affected our adjustments. However, the main reason was our opponent. We know Spain's ability. To beat such a team and achieve better results, we must play our best. Unfortunately, we didn't tonight. So the final result was a huge disappointment.
Of course, there are other aspects to the match, especially some events in the second half. But more importantly, we must first focus on the problems that occurred in the first half, and some of the refereeing decisions that were at least controversial.
In the early stages of the match, we saw the French team try to press high, actively pressing and creating some interception and attacking opportunities. However, the team made many technical errors. Where do you think these errors mainly came from? Were they due to psychological factors?
Deschamps: Perhaps that's a factor. Yes, it's related to the match environment. We didn't control the tempo of the game well enough, and our opponents forced us into some mistakes. Of course, this is a World Cup semi-final. For many players who played today, this was their first time experiencing such a stage. But that doesn't negate everything the team has done before, nor does it erase the positive aspects of their previous performances. It just shows that if we want to pose a greater threat to Spain and cause them more trouble, we must reach the highest level technically, and at the same time, we must be in top physical condition. I don't think we reached that standard today. No, I can confirm that we weren't at our best today.
Could you tell us which refereeing decisions you primarily question? There were quite a few confusing situations during the match, and a lot of discussion surrounding them. Also, considering the immense potential and promising outlook the French team has shown since the start of the World Cup, do you feel a strong sense of incompleteness?
Deschamps: Of course there's disappointment. The players were very frustrated in the locker room, and I completely understand. The team is ambitious, and we are a very competitive team. So stopping here is indeed very painful. But the most important thing is what I said before – what we didn't do well. As for other aspects, I won't go into detail. I can even ask you a question in return: Did the fourth official meet the required standard tonight? Because I spoke with them after the game, and what I saw was probably the same as what you saw.
Now, I'll leave this question to you. I won't answer it myself. I don't want people to think I'm just complaining because we lost the game. But I want to ask: Did the referee tonight really have the ability to officiate a World Cup semi-final? You can answer that question if you'd like. I won't.
Do you think that Spain's defensive tactics in limiting Olise and Mbappe ultimately altered your original game plan? Did France fail to find a solution during the match?
Deschamps: Spain has a very strong attack and a very strong defense. I've watched all their previous matches, and they've always been very good at defending, and they did a very good job today as well. They didn't give us much space. Also, we made some technical mistakes ourselves. When your technical level isn't up to the standard you've shown in previous matches, it's difficult to create real problems for the opponent. And today, our technical performance certainly didn't reach the level we've shown in previous matches.
How do you explain the fact that the team's key players completely failed to perform in this match? Especially in midfield, apart from Rabiot, the overall performance was like a "collapse." How do you explain these situations?
Deschamps: This is the highest level of competition. We were facing a very strong Spanish team, and they proved that tonight with their performance. Against such an opponent, their continuous passing and transitions between attack and defense were excellent. They also did a very good job reading the game, anticipating passes, and making interceptions. We couldn't find a solution. I don't want to say that if we didn't show the attacking ability and technical level we had in previous matches, it was entirely our own fault. We must also acknowledge the achievements of our opponents. I won't deny anything because of this, nor will I erase everything we've accomplished so far.
But I want to reiterate that against a team like this, in a match like this, you have to perform at your highest level. And tonight, the French team failed to do that.
From a personal perspective, how are you feeling right now? What does it mean to you that you weren't able to end your final few matches as manager of the French national team in a better way?
Deschamps: Like the players, I have the same goals and desires. Because before the match started, we definitely had a chance to go further. As for my personal situation, to be honest, I don't know what to say. This has never been my motivation, nor will it be in the future. In any case, we still have one more game to play, even if it's a third-place match. I'm very proud of everything the team has achieved. Especially considering the difficult circumstances, we still made it this far. This experience has given us more desire, more hope, and more ambition. Now, we must accept defeat and congratulate the Spanish team. That's football. That's the cruelty of the highest level of football.
Do you believe there were some issues with the refereeing? For example, the penalty decision? Could you elaborate?
Deschamps: No, no, no. I won't discuss these things, thank you.
As the head coach of the French national team, how would you evaluate your coaching experience? Would you continue to serve as the head coach of the French national team in the future?
Deschamps: It's not the time to discuss the future. I'm very satisfied and proud of everything I've accomplished with the French team. Our goal has always been to win the World Cup. Without a doubt, we won the World Cup in 2018, and we reached the final four years ago. We've consistently strived to keep the French team at the highest level in the world. I've also been fortunate as a coach to experience many very happy moments. Of course, today isn't a happy one. But on the world football stage, we have to accept what happens. However, right now, I'm not feeling very good.
Regarding the decision to replace the player
Deschamps: Regarding substitutions, it's an option. First, it's unfortunate that Konaté isn't at his best, despite his hard work. Secondly, it involves the players' positional characteristics. Konaté has played most of his time at Liverpool as a right center-back, while Lacroix possesses the ability and characteristics to play as a left center-back. Furthermore, he has already received some playing time and is ready to adapt to this level of competition. So, that's my reasoning. Perhaps this isn't your logic, but it's my judgment.
