The French team has not finished making headlines. Between the first behind-the-scenes looks at team life, Philippe Diallo’s quick decision to keep Didier Deschamps and the abundant criticism of the quality of play, it remains at the heart of the debates, 24 hours after its elimination from Euro 2024 by Spain. And if there is someone who wanted to get things off their chest, it is Christophe Dugarry. Consultant for the channel M6 During this competition, the former French team striker had a lot on his mind. After commenting on the Netherlands-England, he was ready to jump on the subject of France. And he let loose on the subject of the coach and the president of the French Football Federation.
“How can we think that this Euro has been a success? It has been indigestible since the first match. We have won 2 matches out of 6, scored only one goal in the game. Our attackers have been almost transparent. We have shown a certain solidity. If the good success of our defense means that we have succeeded in this Euro, you see me surprised. I think that we have missed out in terms of play. It has been terrible at times, it has been poor, it has been incredibly boring. I am surprised that Mr. Diallo does not ask himself the same questions.”he began by saying, before moving on to the next salvo.
“I find it almost shameful. More shameful than the quality of the game offered. Barely 24 hours after the elimination, we are told that we are keeping Didier Deschamps without asking the question, without trying to respond to the anger of the supporters. There is a DTN, a comex. I find that it is a total lack of respect, and contempt for our supporters. Mr Diallo already did not have much credibility, I find that distressing. That he wants to keep him, that he keeps him, there is no problem with that. But at least, bring some thought! We saw what happened during this Euro, our eyes are open, we saw the poverty of the French team’s game”he tackled.
Kylian Mbappé also takes a hit
Before continuing again a few minutes later. “We feel like we’re doomed to play badly. We’re not good and we’re told “Deschamps wins”. That’s already false, he’s won 1 out of 6 competitions. My emotion comes through the game. I want to watch football. Do we have the right to ask for that in France without being accused of being anti-Deschamps or anti-French? I’m anti-bad play. I find that deplorable.”he said. And Kylian Mbappé also received a few reprimands from Dugarry, even if he qualified his remarks by assuring that the collective shortcomings could have masked his individual failure.
“He (Mbappé, editor’s note) has certainly tarnished his image. And his efficiency and his talent. Many people were disappointed with his performances and his behavior as captain. He missed his competition and he recognizes it himself. (…) He is the only one responsible. We were talking about his preparation, I don’t care that he didn’t have any preparation. With PSG, he played every other match, he could have done his preparation on his own. He doesn’t need anyone. In 2006, Zizou returned after two years of absence, he went to Merano for 15 days to prepare, he didn’t wait for anyone. I had him on the phone, he told me “you’ll see the competition I’m going to have”, he was sharper than ever. So a competition has to be prepared. When you’re the leader, there are no excuses to find. He assumed his responsibilities, he didn’t hide, there’s no problem. Kylian, you were zero, way off the mark. I hope for your sake it was just an accident. Dugarry, for his part, hit everyone.
