From our particular correspondent in Nantes,
Let’s instantly take away the clichés which have come out repeatedly. Sure, it’s higher to lose a pleasant preparation assembly thana World Cup group match. Sure, the Blues are popping out of a number of bodily preparation. Sure, there are automatisms to be created between gamers who usually are not essentially used to taking part in collectively. However, we are able to not fake: sure, this tricolor defense freaks us out a couple of days earlier than launching its World Cup.
After already some hesitation in the course of the American tour in March, which notably ended with a crimson card for Dayot Upamecano towards Brazil, the French rearguard once more confirmed many indicators of weak spot, Thursday night in Nantes, the place the Blues faced Ivory Coastin what was to be a full-scale preparation for the primary match of the World Cup towards Senegal, in New York, on June 16.
“A few issues to refine”, solely?
And suffice to say that within the present state of issues, there may be cause to fret when imagining the Lions of Teranga coming to press excessive. As a result of it’s systematically throughout this sort of part that the Blues stupidly put themselves in peril towards the Elephants, like these horrible ball losses from Adrien Rabiot (14th) or Aurélien Tchouameni (forty second) who ought to have been punished severely. Luckily Dayot Upamecano and Mike Maignan had been watching.
There was additionally this duel misplaced by Ibrahima Konaté, after poor thigh management, towards Yann Diomandé (4th). So many harmful conditions which may trigger nice hurt in the event that they had been repeated on the opposite aspect of the Atlantic. Requested about these repeated issues, Aurélien Tchouameni didn’t deny the issues, however didn’t make them a matter of state both: “There are a few issues to refine, however we stay assured. Now we have losses of balls that we should keep away from and in addition on transitions, we confronted a superb staff. »
A staff which took fantastic benefit of the defensive generosity of the Blues within the second half, the place Maxence Lacroix was aligned with Ibrahima Konaté then Lucas Hernandez. And their shared lack of expertise confirmed. The primary time, they had been caught in the direction of midfield by a drop from Elye Wahi, permitting Guéla Doué to open the crimson sea to search out himself alone towards Mike Maignan.
The identical Guéla Doué who despatched an ideal cross on the finish of the match to Hamad Diallo, left alone by Malo Gusto, to supply victory to the Ivorian individuals, very quite a few and noisy at La Beaujoire. Emerse Faé, the coach of the Elephants, had additionally labored onerous on his topic, in an effort to finest exploit the French weaknesses. “We pressed just a little greater and I’ve high quality wingers, we noticed that it was a sector during which we may compete with them and trigger them issues,” rejoiced the previous FC Nantes midfielder.
“I’m not going to see us too ugly”
After which, past the defensive issues, there may be additionally the virtually non-existent offensive contribution from the French full-backs. Jules Koundé performed loads in restoration however was little seen offensively, not like his alter ego on the left wing, Theo Hernandez, who skilled an enormous technical waste, like this move for Fantomas (twenty seventh) on the finish of a pleasant collective motion by the Blues.
So, ought to we be fearful about these Blues who usually are not exhibiting unfailing solidity and who misplaced their first match in virtually a yr? We’re not hopeful, particularly since boss William Saliba is lacking, left on the bench yesterday after having some minor well being issues. And Didier Deschampschatting with TF1, was extra in the identical vein: “There have been errors, completely different ranges relying on the gamers. They (the Ivorians) are going quick, however we gave them these alternatives, we had been late a number of occasions, particularly on the second aim. It is a step that’s not constructive as a result of there’s a defeat, however I’m not going to name all the pieces into query due to that. »
“I did not see us as too handsome and I am not going to see us as too ugly, but when we wanted a booster shot, we received it,” the coach continued at a press convention. And it might be higher for the Blues to not should obtain a second dose, Monday in Lille, against Northern Ireland whose offensive potential leaves one thing to be desired. This may recommend a really sophisticated World Cup. Far more than anticipated.
