Didier Deschamps praises Ousmane Dembélé after France's win over Iraq: "Maybe now you'll stop"
After a convincing game against Iraq, Didier Deschamps heaped praise on Ousmane Dembélé who had a goal and an assist in the second half.
Didier Deschamps praised Ousmane Dembélé's display after France's emphatic win over Iraq, after the player contributed an assist and a goal in the second half.
The coach revealed that many have targeted and criticized the Ballon d'Or winner after a less than impressive performance against Senegal, but his captain rose to his defense ahead of Monday's match in Philadelphia. "Maybe now you will stop and look for another target," Deschamps joked after the game.
The coach added that there is no problem with Dembélé and it is just part of his adaptation to the system he does not normally play for the rest of the year. He said, once the player is in good physical shape, tactical adjustments are all that is needed. "I have confidence in him and he knows that. He is not the type to doubt himself, but it is important that he did what he did today because he is a decisive player," added Deschamps. He also mentioned that the form shown is good for Dembélé and above all for the national team.
In the game itself, Dembélé contributed an assist for Kylian Mbappé's second goal after he intercepted a first-time miscue by Iraqi goalkeeper Ahmed Basil. Ten minutes after the assist, Dembélé converted his own chance successfully after Michael Olise passed him for a one-on-one situation from close range.
According to the report, Dembélé's goal was his first in a major tournament with Les Bleus. For Deschamps, this type of decision and contribution from the player is essential to the team's plan.
The coach remained positive about Dembélé's role in the national team, and pointed out that the player's regularity and health are the keys to more of this type of performance.