FRANCE 98 – France – A. Jacquet: “I will be very surprised if we lose our concentration”

Comments made at the Clairefontaine (south east of PARIS) press conference on Saturday 4 July.

Aimé JACQUET, coach for the FRANCE team:

“I am very satisfied with the game played by the FRANCE team yesterday; they demonstrated a lot of precision and concentration. Even if we won at a penalty shoot out, the game itself was very interesting. Qualifying for the semi-final allows us to take things more calmly for now on the psychological front. What we accomplished during the match is reassuring, and gives us confidence to face what lies ahead.

We achieved our two tactical objectives during this match against ITALY: to hold ourselves back from launching an unbridled attack, and to guarantee the defence of our tactical leader Zinedine ZIDANE (10). Although we weren’t able to come through on the many chances that opened up for us, I don’t know what else we could do… All we need is patience and confidence.

I don’t believe Youri DJORKAEFF’s (6) performance was a let down: he was tightly marked during the entire match, followed very closely by the Italians. Although his performance as a finisher wasn’t up to par with our expectations, his presence and verve are essential for the team. It is true that Bixente LIZARAZU (3) didn’t play up to his usual standard during the last two matches. But it’s normal that his physical condition decline slightly after his phenomenal performances at the beginning of the competition.

All the players attended the training this morning except for Youri DJORKAEFF, who is recovering from a blow he received to his ribcage. Marcel DESAILLY (8) and Didier DESCHAMPS (7), who are having tendon trouble, preferred to cycle. The next few days will be devoted to recuperating: after such a physically trying round, my players need a lot of care and light training.

I realise that our two potential opponents for the semi-final pose a great challenge: CROATIA is equipped with great technical skills and talented players. GERMANY plays a deep game, where individual ability can be brought to the fore… I cannot predict what will happen, but I will be very surprised if we lose our concentration. All we need to do is look at the opening of yesterday’s match to reassure ourselves…”