France assistant coach discusses Balogun, Mbappé racism, and team status

France's assistant coach Guy Stéphan faced the media at Bentley University, addressing a range of current issues facing the national team. When questioned about the controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun and the World Cup, Stéphan stated his focus remains on upcoming matches, specifically mentioning Paraguay and Morocco. "The Paraguay, the Morocco, I don't really know what's happening around the World Cup," he said, adding that while he personally didn't find the referee's decision to send off Balogun to be wrong, the surrounding events were beyond him. He emphasized his concentration on the match against Morocco.

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The Paraguay, the Morocco, I don't really know what's happening around the World Cup. You know me, I like to have all the elements. Personally, when I rewatch the images (Balogun's expulsion), I don't think the referee made a bad decision. After, everything that's happening around it, it's beyond me and I remain focused on Morocco.

Stéphan also discussed the team's offensive style, noting that their attacking capabilities have been consistent for over a year, acknowledging that a certain imbalance can occur but must be accepted. He provided an update on coach Didier Deschamps, stating that after dealing with a personal tragedy, Deschamps has regained energy and is highly focused on the team's performance and details.

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On the offensive players, it's been going on for more than a year (March 2025 against Croatia in the Nations League). It didn't just happen for the World Cup. We have quality elements, capable of attacking, of defending. Obviously, at a certain point, there can be a certain imbalance, it must be accepted.

Addressing the youth of the squad, Stéphan highlighted that while many players are young and play for top clubs, vigilance is needed in tense situations. He praised their composure in the match against Paraguay. Regarding player competition, he described Barcola and Doué as having different profiles, with Barcola favoring depth and Doué excelling in tight spaces with dribbling skills. He noted that both have contributed positively when playing, and the starter would be revealed before the match.

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He needed to mourn. He has regained energy, he is very present, attentive to the slightest detail, focused on the matches and little on what's happening around.

Health updates were provided for Marcus Thuram, whose calf is improving, Aurélien Tchouaméni, who continues individualized training with time constraints, and William Saliba, who is doing well but being managed in some sessions. Stéphan also commented on Dayot Upamecano's significant development, calling him a top-level player. Finally, he dismissed the possibility of switching to a three-man midfield against Morocco.

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They play in big clubs, but they are young. Half the squad hasn't been to a World Cup. We need to be vigilant when it's very tense, when there are duels, arguments. It was managed against Paraguay, with a lot of composure. Didier pays attention by anticipating as much as possible what can happen. Even young, they showed a lot of composure.