France Will Not ‘Change Course’ Against Belgium After Italy Loss

France’s coach Didier Deschamps has confirmed his intent to make significant rotations to the lineup for the upcoming Nations League match against Belgium in Lyon, scheduled for Monday. This announcement comes after France experienced a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Italy in their opening match of the Nations League on Friday.

Despite the loss, Deschamps remains resolute in his plans. He emphasized that the six Nations League matches represent an opportunity to introduce new talent and manage player fatigue. “We need to use these matches to give playing time to new players,” he stated during the pre-match press conference.

Deschamps clarified that his strategy would differ if France were involved in World Cup qualifiers, but given the current schedule, he believes this approach is necessary. “I chose this path because I feel it is essential for our development. I will not change direction,” he asserted.

After facing Belgium, France will have matches against Israel and Belgium again next month, concluding their Group A2 fixtures against Israel and Italy in November. Deschamps expressed a desire to see a positive response from his squad following the setback against Italy. France had initially taken the lead just 20 seconds into the match but ultimately fell short.

“I cannot be satisfied with the performance against Italy, and the players should not be either,” Deschamps remarked. “Tomorrow presents a different challenge against a different team, but the expectations remain the same.” He underscored the importance of utilizing this period to distribute playing time among various players.

The pressure to perform is ever-present, regardless of the amount of time each player spends on the field. Deschamps believes it is crucial for all players to make the most of their opportunities.

On the other hand, Belgium is grappling with the pain of their exit from Euro 2024, where they faced France in the round of 16. Manager Dominic Tedesco reflected on that match, admitting the defeat still stings. “In the European Championship, it was a tight contest against France. We felt we could have won too,” Tedesco commented during the Sunday press conference. “Although France was slightly better and deserved the win, we had our chances. It would be disingenuous to say that match is behind us. It still hurts. However, we must now focus on what lies ahead.”

Belgium commenced their Nations League journey with a 3-1 victory over Israel. This match took place behind closed doors in Debrecen, Hungary, a decision made due to security concerns.

Both teams will be looking to set the pace in the Nations League, eager to show improvement from their previous performances. For France, the goal is to capitalize on the influx of new players while Belgium aims to harness their experience and seek redemption after their earlier encounter.

The Nations League holds significant implications for both squads, with Deschamps focused on developing his team’s depth and resilience while Tedesco looks to galvanize his players after a stinging loss. As the teams prepare to face off, all eyes will be on how they adapt and respond to the challenges ahead.

Source: Reuters