Didier Deschamps keeps the suspense going. As usual at Euro 2024 – except for Austria and Belgium – the Blues coach did not prepare this Monday during the last training session before the semi-final against Spain (this Tuesday, 9 p.m.). At the Allianz Arena in Munich, the French players finished the session well with the opponent but the teams were mixed and did not allow for a clear eleven to emerge.
The main question surrounds the case of Antoine Griezmann. In his poor form since the start of the tournament, could the pendulum of Atlético Madrid and the French team lose his place in favour of a new attacking movement? The question inevitably arises. He was already substituted against Poland in the third group match and left shortly after the hour mark against the Portuguese in the quarter-finals, and the vice-captain no longer appears among the untouchables.
In a press conference, Adrien Rabiot was not shy when discussing the No. 7's performance. “Surprised, yes, obviously. I don't know how to explain it, maybe he's less physically fit. But we, as teammates, expect a lot from Antoine, because he's capable of it,” said the man who will return from suspension against La Roja.
Rabiot's return
Can the Blues move on without him? “We have a top-level collective team, when a player is less good we are there and support our teammates. Maybe it would be easier if they were at their best,” Rabiot adds. “The coach had to make choices, so far it has gone well, as long as it lasts.”
Didier Deschamps faces a typical case. Keep Griezmann for his experience or sacrifice him for a fitter player. After his attack had been stagnant for 67 minutes in the 4-4-2 diamond against Portugal, the coach changed his formation to 4-3-3 after Ousmane Dembélé came on. A life-saving change that breathed new life into the attacking sector… and the Parisian even won the man of the match award.
Against a more technical and less athletic team like Spain, the former Barcelona player could have the chance to play to find a place on the right. While the Yamal-Williams duo wreak havoc in the corridors, their tempo and dribbling qualities are enough to tempt them and force them to defend. “If they have the ball, it is better to know how to defend well as we have done so far. But forcing them into an area they do not like and forcing them to make an effort can limit their offensive contribution.
With Dembele-Kolo Muani-Mbappe attack
Less well, Kylian Mbappé will start well, while Randal Kolo Muani competes for the top spot with Marcus Thuram. The former Nantes man didn't do everything in the quarter-finals, of course, but his efforts to ensure balance and shake up the opposition's block didn't go unnoticed either.
As for the rest, the Blues will present themselves with a team without surprises. In midfield, only Eduardo Camavinga will make way for Adrien Rabiot despite a convincing final performance. The defense will not budge either, as Didier Deschamps has found the right formula since the start of the Euros with his full-backs Upamecano and Saliba (Koundé and Hernandez) who have shown no signs of fatigue.
Possible formation of the blues
Maignan – Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez – Kante, Tchouameni, Rabiot – Dembele, Kolo Muani, Mbappe (cap).
