Euro 2024 as the last dance. Although he continues to play for club at Los Angeles FC in MLS, Olivier Giroud ended his international career last summer, after the elimination of the Blues against Spain in the semi-final. The end of a long chapter for the man who is still the best director in the history of the France team (with 57 goals in 137 caps).
Under the tricolor jersey, the 38-year-old striker has had two coaches: Laurent Blanc from 2011 to 2012, then Didier Deschamps, with whom he notably won the 2018 World Cup. A coach for whom he retains a lot of respect, even if their collaboration has sometimes been complicated, notably with the return of Karim Benzema from Euro 2021.
Olivier Giroud defends Didier Deschamps
“He's been almost at the top for twelve years so far. (…) You can say what you want, all the same, Deschamps, respect. He brought the French team to the top, so frankly respect”he confides in an interview with First Teambefore discussing the few difficulties encountered and the numerous criticisms suffered by “DD” for several months.
“Today there are a lot of people who think we need to change but it’s not easy for him. There is a new generation arriving, we had to turn the page with the departures of Hugo (Lloris), Raph' Varane, Blaise (Matuidi), Steve (Mandanda), Grizi (Antoine Griezmann) and me . It just takes time”says the former AC Milan striker.
“The results are very, very positive”
“You can't lose so many executives in such a short time and want to win back straight away. Despite the enormous potential that there is in the French team, it simply takes time for the guys to gain experience.adds the ex-Gunner. There are many players who have few caps and little experience at the very highest level. There is an alchemy to find, a balance. »
“Tactically too, how should we play, or should we put certain playershe said. There are leaders emerging in this team but it will take time. You have to be a little patient. We've become so accustomed to seeing ourselves at the top that now it's the last square minimum. In the end, what are we looking at? The results. And the results are very, very positive. »