Eliminated from the World Cup in the quarter-finals, the Blues resume their journey towards Paris 2024, Friday, with the start of the Nations League against Portugal in Valenciennes.
“Use the World Cup to move forward.” One month and ten days after its elimination in the quarter-finals of the World Cup against Australia (0-0, tab 6-7), the French team returns to school, Friday September 22, with a first Nations League meeting against Portugal, before traveling to Austria on the 26th. “It’s better than playing friendly matches which are less interesting.”asked Hervé Renard on Thursday at a press conference.
If the objective is to do well and reach the Final Four in February, in order to seek the first title in their history, the Blues – favorites in a group which also includes Norway – must take advantage of this new competition to move up power ahead of the Olympic Games, at home next summer. The major quest for the mandate of the current coach, given the expiry of his contract in August 2024. Until then, several projects await Hervé Renard.
Integrate the news while maintaining the dynamic
His main feat of arms in this hastily prepared World Cup – he was appointed four months before – was to unite a group whose main characteristic under his predecessor, Corinne Diacre, was a general malaise. “This World Cup was a great success in terms of what this group achieved. We had 52 days of living together in an enjoyable and fantastic atmosphere.” underlined the native of Aix-les-Bains last Friday. Thus, integrating the many injured or recalled players into this dynamic represents a challenge.
Reason why defender Griedge Mbock, victim of a dislocated right knee and injured cruciate ligament on September 6, 2022 during a match against Greece, made an early return to the selection despite 45 minutes of official matches in the legs with Lyon. “She is not yet capable of playing an entire match. We will have to be careful but it is important that she is with us. She was a senior player, it is good that she comes back and that we give yourself time to return to your best level.”justified the technician. In addition to Amandine Henry and Oriane Jean-François, affected during preparation in June, attackers Julie Dufour and Sandy Baltimore also make their return. “A brewing” desired by the staff for “return everyone to their responsibilities”.
In defense, balance versatility and status
In nine games since his arrival on the Blue bench, Hervé Renard has aligned eight different defensive quartets. A figure which can be explained as much by unforeseen absences, due to injury or suspension, as by the 54-year-old tactician’s weakness for versatile elements. Like Selma Bacha, a professional fullback converted to a winger, or Maëlle Lakrar, placed back in the center after starting the tournament on the right, many of the outfield players were used in different positions during the Coupe du world. So much so that apart from captain Wendie Renard, no one seems completely sure of their place, or of their position in the French defense line.
As Griedge Mbock was unable to take part in all of the meetings in September, Parisian Jade Le Guilly was summoned, before finally withdrawing from the gathering. This start of the Nations League campaign should therefore be an opportunity to test, or rather retest, several options in conjunction with Elisa De Almeida and Estelle Cascarino, who have so far not given full satisfaction. The challenge for Hervé Renard will be to install clear starters, without overly muzzling their ability to play elsewhere on the pitch. Unlike a World Cup or a Euro where the rule of 23 prevails, the Olympic selection can only have 18 players. Versatility is therefore a quality that should not be overlooked.
Popular momentum to maintain
“The image of the French team [à la Coupe du monde] was perfect: in terms of audiences, audiences, follow-up, we gained something. It is to be kept, cultivated and improved.” When unveiling his first post-World Cup list, the one who described himself shortly after his appointment as “a sort of VRP for women’s football” emphasized the importance of “keep and accentuate” this new close link with the French public created this summer. 17,000 tickets have already been sold for the match against Portugal in Valenciennes, compared to 10,600 on average for Les Bleues receptions this year.
A crucial aspect as the Olympic Games will be at home in 2024. “These must be good quality stadiums, it must be a spectacle and not a Sunday amateur match. It is up to us to attract the spectators“, insisted Hervé Renard again on the eve of the meeting. There is no doubt that this will lead to good results in the Nations League. Starting with a victory this Friday against Portugal.