Didier Deschamps, the huge outburst after Colombia

Despite the beautiful victory achieved by his players (3-1) on Sunday, Didier Deschamps was angry at the end of the match against Colombia.

Two matches, two wins: the French team perfectly negotiated their mini-tour in the United States. Three days after a first success against Brazil (2-1), the Blues did it again against Colombia. And just like against Brazil, Didier Deschamps’ players put in the effort, ultimately winning 3-1 thanks to a brace from Djénépo and a goal from Marcus Thuram.

However, Didier Deschamps was upset after the match. This was due to a violent late tackle by a Colombian player on Michael Olise in the final moments of the match. This caused the French coach to express his anger to the fourth official.

“It (the match) was very aggressive,” said the former midfielder to TF1. “You know as well as I do, South American teams do that. Knowing that there is no VAR, it helps a bit, especially on the last action, the last tackle on Michael Olise… Fortunately, he jumped, otherwise he would only have one leg left! But it’s also good to have a friendly match with a weaker opponent… There is desire. It’s good, there is fervor, it’s good for the players. It allowed us to have two very good quality rehearsals.”

“Football isn’t American football!” added the two-time World Cup champion. “It’s about the tackle on Michael: if he doesn’t jump, he could break his leg… We are in a friendly match… Aggressiveness, okay, we know what it is, but it goes a little too far. It’s not always punished. I told the fourth official, we’re not in American football! There are no tackles like that! No serious consequences fortunately.”

Even Didier Deschamps himself admitted that this aggressiveness from the Colombians led him not to bring in certain players. “That’s also why in management, some did not enter. They couldn’t or there were risks,” he explained. “I do it every time. Now, having behind the straight lines in the leagues, the Champions League… Obviously, it’s the most important period with their club.”