France head coach Didier Deschamps spoke at a press conference following Les Bleus’ 3-0 victory over Iraq last night in the second round of the World Cup. The conversation touched upon Paris Saint-Germain, specifically forwards Ousmane Dembélé (29) and Bradley Barcola (23).
Deschamps: “Maybe you could get off his back”
Dembélé a decisive player?
Maybe you could get off his back and find another target. There are no issues with Ousmane. He has to readjust to a system he doesn’t play in all year round. If he feels good physically—and he does—I have faith in him. He has no doubts. He is a decisive player; Kylian is too, and that’s nothing new. But “Ous” has that ability as well. “It’s great for him, and especially for the French team.”
Deschamps: “I hope those who start will perform well.”
Did Barcola score some points?
“When I make changes, I hope the starters perform well. I’ll be weighing things up; I distribute playing time. Désiré started the first match. Barcola played the second. I can’t bring on every attacking player, but ‘Barco’ did some very interesting things, showing great work rate and defensive tracking back.”
After days of criticism, Dembélé responded with an impressive performance, capped by an assist and a goal. This should bring him some peace regarding the Ballon d’Or talk. We know the media often jumps the gun, so they’ll likely get carried away—and, unfortunately, perhaps look for “another target,” as Deschamps puts it. It’s a sad habit.
The scrutiny shouldn’t fall on Barcola, who also put in a pretty convincing performance—though one couldn’t say he has suddenly become an undisputed starter for Les Bleus. The squad is deep, after all. Changes are possible—to foster competition, adapt to the opponent, or simply rotate the lineup. How the match against Norway is managed will be interesting; qualification for the Round of 16 is already secured, so the only thing left to play for is top spot—which France currently holds thanks to a superior goal difference.
