‘We were applied and serious’ – Didier Deschamps praises France’s Nations League win | OneFootball

It wasn’t the most serene international break for France in September. There was an element of post-Euros malaise, which was exacerbated by frustration about Les Bleus’ negative play style. Only one goal was scored by a French player from open play during the whole of the Euro 2024 tournament in Germany.

Kylian Mbappé added fuel to the fire, dismissing fans’ concerns about play-style as “the least of his concern”. As a result of that comment, he was booed during the international break, as was Didier Deschamps’ whose popularity did take a knock in Germany over the summer.

In September, they got their UEFA Nations League campaign off to a losing start, against Italy at the Parc des Princes. They put in a better performance in their first game of the current international break, beating Israel 4-1 in Budapest. Eduardo Camavinga, Christopher Nkunku, Mattéo Guendouzi, and Bradley Barcola all got on the scoresheet.

Post-match, Deschamps praised France’s attitude. “It is positive. Scoring four goals, it is a while since we have done that. We conceded from Israel’s only chance. I regretted some technical errors at half-time but we were applied and serious. It is the type of game where the opponent has everything to win, and us everything to lose,” said the France manager.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle