Deschamps criticizes hydration breaks and advocates for the fluidity of the game.

The French national football team, under the leadership of their charismatic coach Didier Deschamps, secured a 2-1 victory over Brazil in an exciting friendly match held in Foxborough. However, the celebration of the triumph was overshadowed by a strong criticism from the coach regarding the new hydration breaks that were tested for the World Cup. Deschamps expressed his dissatisfaction, arguing that these interruptions “break the rhythm” of the game, a topic that promises to spark heated discussions in the football world.

During an interview with TF1, Deschamps did not hesitate to point a finger at the three-minute breaks, which are implemented at the 22-minute mark of each half. “It’s good for you, who broadcast the game, to have a space for advertising, but this changes football,” he vented. The French coach emphasized that, regardless of the team on the pitch, a three-minute break can destabilize a good moment of play. His criticism reveals a growing discontent among coaches who fear that these changes could compromise the essence of the sport.

Despite his reservations about the breaks, Deschamps did not fail to praise his team’s performance, particularly in the first half of the match. “It’s a beautiful victory because it’s against Brazil. Eleven years ago, we took a big beating (1-3), there was a big difference between them and us,” reflected the coach, highlighting the evolution of the French national team. However, he also acknowledged that, following the expulsion of a player, the team struggled to maintain the rhythm and intensity they had shown in the first half.

Deschamps highlighted the “technical mastery and the connection between the midfielders and the four attacking players,” emphasizing the good collective dynamics of the team, even with the positional changes. “As long as there is a good technical connection between the players, against a cautious Brazil team that was trying to create danger through transitions and quick attacks, yes, I am satisfied,” he stated, expressing optimism about the future of the national team.

However, the coach did not hide his concern about the team’s performance after the break. “It is true that, upon returning from the locker rooms, we took time to get back into the game. We came out of a very good first half, and the restart was a bit more difficult,” he lamented, also referring to the limitations in substitutions the team faced after being reduced to 10 players.

Looking ahead, Deschamps’ next challenge will be a clash against Colombia, scheduled for Sunday at 8:00 PM. The French coach has already announced plans to carry out a “revolution” in the team’s lineup, promising many changes, perhaps even eleven. “That was my intention. I want to see the players,” he concluded, leaving an expectation in the air about the changes that may occur and how this will affect France’s performance in upcoming competitions. The tension is palpable, and fans are eagerly awaiting another spectacle of football.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.