We bring you Didier Deschamps’ full press conference on the eve of Italy-France, a match valid for group 2A of the Nations League. This is how the transalpine technical commissioner presented the match: “It’s frustrating not to score in a match like the one against Israel, after having created so much, but it had already happened to us. We didn’t score, but we had many opportunities to do so.”
Konaté said there is tiredness. How will you stay motivated?
“Many players come out of weeks of playing three games, there is both physical and mental tiredness. However, the motivation is always there, then sometimes it becomes difficult.”
The atmosphere towards him?
“We are second in the FIFA ranking, we played in a Nations League with many young and less experienced players, it is normal that this is to the detriment of the result, but we are still alive, we reached the semi-finals of the European Championship. Italy and France they have qualified, they are in first position at the moment, we know what we have to do tomorrow there will be changes because I need to see the players.”
The growth of Khephren Thuram?
“He has already been called up to join us, there are many players in midfield. This year he started the season gradually, now he has a more important role, he is one of those young players who have quality. I wish him to continue doing what he is doing doing now and maintaining it over time”.
Kalulu?
“He did very well in Milan’s Scudetto year, he had physical problems, now he has recovered better. We follow him, like all the players, there is also important competition in defence. I’m always happy to return to Italy, I’m good where I am, both as a coach and as a player I spent many years in Italy and they were wonderful years.”
Is it a match like the others between Italy and France?
“I assure you that as a player it was a special match.”
Pogba?
“I saw that he reached an agreement with Juventus, I don’t know what he will choose to do, he is preparing on an individual level.”