Despite the flood of injuries: does France end the winless series?
The French national team meets Austria on Thursday (8.45 p.m.). After four games without a win, France need to impress two months before the World Cup in Qatar – despite a few surprises.
“Les Bleus” have been without a win for four games.
AFP via Getty Images
In June, France played four Nations League games without a single win, including a 1-1 draw with Austria in Vienna. The “Bleus”, who won the last Nations League, will not be able to defend their title in the Final Four. With two games to go before the end of the group games, it is clear that France will not finish top of the group. For Didier Deschamps and his eleven it is now a question of not being relegated.
It’s all about putting the players in the best position to be dangerous to the opponent.
Didier Deschamps, France national team coach
The coach has to do without numerous players. For Deschamps, however, this should by no means be an excuse. The former French international did not reveal which formation the 53-year-old will start the game against Austria with or whether he will play with a back three or four. But at least this much: “My idea always remains the same: It’s about putting the players in the best position to be dangerous for the opponent.” At the same time, Deschamps did not rule out a system change during the game: “That doesn’t stop us from changing from game to game or during the game”.
Maignan for Lloris between the posts
With Hugo Lloris unavailable through injury, Mike Maignan will start in goal, the France coach revealed: “This international break allows Mike to gain more experience with the national team. He’s been with us a lot but not that much on the pitch.” In addition to Lloris, Deschamps has to do without other normally seeded players. Karim Benzema, Paul Pogba, Ngolo Kante and the Bayern duo Kingsley Coman and Lucas Hernandez will be missing, among others.
After the game against Austria on Thursday (8.45 p.m., LIVE! on kicker), Deschamps and his team are already waiting for Denmark at the same time on Sunday for the end of the international break.