Didier Deschamps did not like what he saw on Monday against Iceland and did not hold back from telling his troops after the draw conceded in Reykjavik.
If, in September, the Blues had perfectly launched their qualifying campaign for the next World Cup thanks to their two victories against Ukraine and Iceland, the two matches played in October were much less convincing. After a sluggish victory against Azerbaijan at the Parc des Princes (3-0), the French team had to settle for a draw in Iceland (2-2).
Trapped in the first period, Didier Deschamps’ men seemed to have done the hard part after the break by equalizing thanks to Christopher Nkunku then taking the advantage with a goal from Jean-Philippe Mateta, his first for the selection. Alas, it was without counting on a big error from the defense, and especially from Jules Koundé, which allowed the Icelanders to equalize straight away. Enough to provoke the anger of the French coach.
Didier Deschamps did not digest
And if in front of the microphones, the former midfielder mainly pointed out the refereeing error on the Icelandic opener, he did not spare his players in the locker room. “
The positive side is that we did better in the second half, if I’m being nice I’ll tell you, “it’s a shame to concede that goal.” » But we must not take this goal guys. We get pierced. We’re open, we’re screwing everything up.” he told them.
“On the pitch, there are good things, not continuously but well… I remain positive and I always will be but I have to tell you things. But no, we can’t, he continued. We could have won it, we should have but that’s one more point on the clock and four on the rally. The next gathering will be decisive. »
“Take care of yourself and see you in November for the last two we have left,” he concluded, referring to the last two meetings on the Blues’ program in Group D, firstly the reception of Ukraine which could be decisive. In the event of victory, the French team, which is three points ahead of Ukraine, would indeed validate its ticket for the World Cup in America. In the event of another poor performance, he will have to wait for his last match in Azerbaijan, four days later.
