After falling against Tunisia (1-0) in the last match of Group D, the Blues must redeem themselves in the round of 16 of the World Cup in Qatar, against a Poland determined to continue their epic. In a press conference, in front of the French media, Didier Deschamps wanted to play the card of caution by insisting on the importance of mental preparation and group management in the final stages of a major competition. Being close to victory, while being so far away, is the paradox of the round of 16.
“Obviously another competition is starting, which is not the same as the first one. We had three safe matches, now it’s up to us to make sure there’s another one behind. These are tough matches for all qualified teams, as is the case with Poland or us, in the round of 16. It’s already something to be one of the 16 out of the 32 who were there. It is management knowing that there is less to manage. Our goal is to get our place in the quarter-finals.”
Concentration as a key word
While this World Cup has many surprises in store for us with meetings with a completely crazy scenario, the coach of the Blues knows that playing a World Cup is always special. Between great historic nations and countries cradled by the culture of popular football, you have to know how to adapt in order not to fall: “All the matches are difficult, those of last night too. The adversaries, whoever they are, are there. There are teams that can afford to manage, that was our case, that was also the case yesterday. This brings a little more certainty. All the teams are well prepared. The players all play in good leagues, good teams. Some nations have a little more popular fervor. Will there be other surprises? I’m like Saint-Thomas, I only believe what I see. I’m not here to predict. All teams must be ready. Today, even a great nation, if it is not ready for the first pool match, can have unpleasant situations.explained Deschamps, who refuses to underestimate any opponent.
In the background, the very bitter memory of the elimination against Switzerland during the last Euro. But Deschamps refuses any comparison, which he does not consider useful for the preparation of such a decisive match in a new competition: “Talking about the past, especially about a past as positive as this, I don’t see the point, except for the players who were present at that time, the feelings they had, they obviously don’t want to relive them. The only common point is that they are round of 16. After that it’s not the same opponent. I don’t fall into a routine either, I’m not going to add more either, if I add more, it can bring what I don’t want, that is to say a little more stress. You have to have serenity. There is a place in quarters. I watch a lot of games. There are no easy matches for anyone. The 16 best teams are here”then declared the coach of the Blues.
