France began their UEFA Nations League campaign poorly following their 1-3 loss to Italy and head coach Didier Deschamps has revealed what his next plans are to ensure Les Blues get back on track.
The 55-year-old has insisted he will stick to his plans to make numerous alterations and rotate the starting XI for Monday’s tie against Belgium — as he maintains he would stick to his plans as normal.
“The six Nations League matches must be used to introduce new players and distribute playing time,” he said in the pre-match press conference.
“If we had a different schedule and were playing World Cup qualifiers, I would not have chosen this course, that’s for sure. But I chose it because I believe that we have to go through it. I’m not going to change course.”
Following their Nations League openers, France will next face Israel and Belgium next month and finalize their games in Group A2 against Israel and Italy in November.
Deschamps admitted he was searching for a positive response to the loss against Italy, as France were in front inside 20 seconds but easily bested in the end.
“I can’t be satisfied with the match against Italy, nor can the players. Tomorrow is another game, another context, a different team with the same obligation,” he continued.
“The course I have taken is to give as much playing time to as many players as possible. Whatever the playing time, there is always pressure, you have to perform as well as possible.”
