In good spirits as usual, Didier Deschamps appeared at a press conference at Stade Pierre-Mauroy on the eve of the friendly match against South Africa on Tuesday (9:15 p.m., TF1).
Will Mike Maignan start against South Africa?
DIDIER DESCHAMPS. Yes. Mike will start tomorrow (Tuesday). (…) He is in constant progression, already in Lille, and now in Milan. It is a very good thing. I told you that it was time for me to see as many players as possible in action, the goalkeepers being one of them. Mike is quiet strength, with athletic qualities, a good kicking game. He is also an expressive leader, which is good for the group.
How do you view the recent performances of Presnel Kimpembe who seems to have lost his place with the Blues?
Oh already? (twisted smile, he pauses). I’m not going to judge “Kimp” on his games at PSG. He was unavailable for the reasons you know from the first game. Today there are no more worries. Kimp has played a lot of games with us. There is a lot of competition in his position, especially Lucas (Hernandez), even if it is not the same profile. Kimp remains Kimp, he can miss duels, have worse shots, but I know I can count on him. He has lost nothing, gained nothing, but he is there.
Why is Antoine Griezmann so essential in the selection?
Already, he was lucky not to have any injuries. There, he had one, it had been a while since he had had one and it happened during a period when there was no match. He has this ability to score, to score, he also has a high volume of play which allows him to participate in defensive tasks, even if at times it is a bit too much. But we also ask him, he likes it and it’s part of his game.
Do you hope that one or more friendlies will be scheduled ahead of the World Cup (November 21 – December 18)?
Before the competition it is almost impossible. If there is another window why not, but I repeat: the four games in June and the two games in September will be within the framework of the Nations League, but we will be with a view to the World Cup.
Can Aurélien Tchouaméni claim a starting position in the short or medium term?
He is in constant progress too, with his club he was used much lower than with us where he projected himself more. He is able to play two, torchbearer, or low point with his profile and his qualities. Good, I’m not going to complain about it, it’s an extra option. After, holder… But it is all his merit. Let him continue! It’s a very good thing for the French team and for me.
Can the selection be a breath of fresh air for Kylian Mbappé after the disappointment with PSG in the Champions League?
Since he arrived, he has been radiant, smiling as we have known him since the start. It’s football, it’s hard, but it’s already behind. He is part of the group, he knows that he is an important, decisive player. He is still young, but with the arrival of the youngest he plays his role. They enjoy being together on the pitch, but also off it, that’s something I pay attention to, I’m very attentive to that.
