“You wanted to give a good image to finish the Euro qualifications, that was not at all the case this Tuesday evening in Ireland (1-3)…
No, not at all, no. I’m going to be careful with my words, otherwise I’d be too harsh. We didn’t live up to expectations, that’s all. The positive point is that we finished first in a very difficult group, paradoxically, and that we will therefore be seeded for Euro 2025. For the rest, there was a lack of determination, commitment, and technical accuracy. All things you need in football to live up to expectations.
Did you raise your voice in the locker room?
No, I said the qualifying page was turned, I congratulated them for the first place, not for tonight. Every match is important for FIFA points, and that objective was not met tonight. This defeat is logical, we were more than jostled. We gave a poor performance, and I apologize for that. When you change an entire team, it is never easy for those who play, because there is a lack of automatisms. But they are also there to perform and earn their place, to show that the coach was wrong. We are not going to get into catastrophism or get alarmed, it is a completely different page that is going to open. We know what to expect. Maybe we were a little relaxed and our heads elsewhere. Even if that was not the watchword.
“We have to be 100% in this women’s football which is progressing”
Do you support the accident theory?
No, it’s not an accident. We just didn’t take the game the way we should have. It can happen to anyone, it happened to Spain and Germany last week. We have to be 100% in this women’s football that is progressing.
Nine days before the opening match once morest Colombia, does this defeat concern you?
No, there are some players who weren’t there tonight. I kept some important players, let’s even say essential ones. That’s not an excuse. But we still have to be alert on two points, to have reassuring news from Maëlle Lakrar (left shoulder) and Sandy Baltimore (knee discomfort). Hopefully more of a scare than harm.
Eugénie Le Sommer has not played since April and her right knee injury. She was spared this Tuesday due to discomfort in the adductor. Should we be worried regarding her presence and her role at the Games?
No, we shouldn’t worry, but what is certain is that we will have to go very, very gradually in terms of playing time. Hoping that she can bring us something in the short term at first, and increase it little by little. Which means that we have to go far in the competition. In some way, Eugénie will be dependent on our good performance. She will be our wild card, by force of circumstances. We can count on her for her professionalism, her way of preparing. This was not the evening to take risks.
France Women’s National Team Coach Criticizes Performance After Ireland Defeat
French Women’s National Team coach [Coach’s Name] expressed his disappointment following his team’s 1-3 defeat to Ireland in their final Euro qualifier on Tuesday evening. While France secured first place in their group, the coach was critical of the team’s performance, highlighting a lack of determination, commitment, and technical accuracy.
"We didn’t live up to expectations," the coach stated. "The positive point is that we finished first in a very difficult group, paradoxically, and that we will therefore be seeded at Euro 2025. For the rest, there was a lack of determination, commitment, technical accuracy. Everything you need in football to live up to expectations."
Despite the disappointing performance, the coach emphasized that the team’s focus now shifts to the upcoming Women’s World Cup. He acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly in terms of mental focus and overall intensity.
"We have to be 100% in this women’s football which is progressing," he added, acknowledging the growing competitiveness of the sport.
The coach also addressed concerns regarding the fitness of key players ahead of the World Cup. He confirmed that Maëlle Lakrar (left shoulder) and Sandy Baltimore (knee discomfort) sustained injuries during the Ireland match, but expressed optimism that their injuries are not serious.
Regarding Eugénie Le Sommer’s return from a prolonged knee injury, the coach cautioned that her minutes will be managed carefully. He stressed the importance of a gradual return to playing time, citing her potential to be a "wild card" for the team later in the tournament.
"We shouldn’t worry," he reassured, "but what is certain is that we will have to go very, very gradually in terms of playing time. Hoping that she can bring us something in the short term at first, and increase it little by little. Which means that we have to go far in the competition. In some way, Eugénie will be dependent on our good performance. We can count on her for her professionalism, her way of preparing. This was not the evening to take risks."
The coach’s comments following the loss to Ireland demonstrate a clear focus on ensuring the team is prepared for the challenges of the World Cup. While he admitted that the Ireland game was not a good performance, he remains confident in the team’s ability to bounce back and achieve success.
Key Takeaways from the Coach’s Post-Match Interview
- The Ireland defeat was not just a "bad day." The coach emphasized a lack of determination, commitment, and technical accuracy throughout the game.
- Despite the loss, France topped their group and will be seeded at Euro 2025.
- Focus is now shifting towards the Women’s World Cup, with the coach acknowledging the need for the team to raise their level of performance.
- There are injury concerns for Lakrar and Baltimore, but the coach remains optimistic regarding their recovery.
- Le Sommer’s return will be managed carefully, with a gradual build-up in playing time.
- The coach is confident in the team’s ability to succeed at the World Cup, even though this recent performance has shown areas for improvement.
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