At the press conference, Deschamps directly addressed questions about France's so-called "Julien dependency" and claims that the team "can't score without him."
His response was forceful, almost defiant.
"Dependency? No. I call it 'intelligent core tactics.'
Let me be absolutely clear: when you have an 18-year-old who's scored five goals in two Premier League matches, someone capable of deciding games through individual brilliance—not building your tactics around him would be the greatest coaching negligence imaginable.
Giving the ball to your strongest, most efficient, most creative player—isn't that the most direct and effective tactic there is? That itself is a clear tactical philosophy.
Why should we avoid it?
Should we give the ball to less threatening players just to appear 'tactically diverse'?
That's absurd!
Yes, our attack flows through Julien. Because he has the ability. He's earned that trust. His dribbling, passing, and finishing are our offensive insurance.
But that doesn't diminish anyone else's importance. Every player is part of the system. Together, they form the attacking collective with Julien as the spearhead.
Our objective isn't to please pundits talking about 'dependency.' It's to win matches. Win trophies.
And to do that, we will unapologetically maximize our greatest advantage: Julien De Rocca.
If people want to call that 'dependence,' then fine: Yes, we depend on his genius. And we're proud of it. Because that's how you win in modern football.
Think about it—why did we win the World Cup in 1998? Because Jacquet built the team unwaveringly around Zidane!
Italy in 2006? They maximized Pirlo's brilliance to perfection!
When you have Maradona, Pelé, Ronaldo, Messi—any rational coach tilts the tactical scale toward them without hesitation! It's common sense. It's the formula for victory.
For me, Julien is that caliber of player. He possesses that rare, innate gift: the ability to elevate a team instantly and decisively."
Deschamps' words were uncompromising.
He essentially said: Yes, we're building around Julien. So what?
His statement sparked considerable debate back in France, generally falling into three camps: supporters, critics, and moderates.
L'Équipe wrote enthusiastically: "Deschamps finally said what we've all been waiting to hear! Facing the outdated 'dependency' criticism, his response showed the conviction and vision of a championship-caliber coach.
Football's essence is giving the ball to the person who can solve problems. To have a talent like Julien and not maximize him would be irresponsible to the national team. History shows us that building around superstars is the shortcut to glory.
This young French side needs a standard-bearer, and Julien is the answer. Deschamps' clear stance has pointed the team in the right direction, this is the crucial first step toward French football's renaissance."
Le Parisien expressed skepticism: "Deschamps' confidence is admirable, but is he being overly optimistic? Hanging the entire team's attacking lifeline on an 18-year-old is undeniably a massive gamble.
Yes, Julien is phenomenal right now but football is full of variables: injuries, form slumps, opponents' systematic shutdown tactics... If Julien gets neutralized, do we have a reliable Plan B?
Deschamps mentioned Zidane in 1998, but let's not forget—that French team had the world's most impenetrable defense. Our current backline is nowhere near that standard. Over-emphasizing a single core could stifle other attackers' development and leave the team unable to adapt in adversity. We hope Deschamps is right, but this is unquestionably a high-risk choice."
The centrist France Football took a restrained approach:
"Deschamps' statement boils down to one word: winning. His philosophy is pragmatic—if I have the best weapon, why not use it? Media and fans debate 'dependency' versus 'core tactics,' but to a coach, they're just different means to the same end: victory.
Deschamps' job is winning matches, not pleasing aesthetic critics. His statement stabilizes the squad and clarifies the tactical core, which helps eliminate dressing room ambiguity.
The real test is whether he can build a balanced system around Julien while ensuring other players contribute effectively and that the team can still function when Julien is unavailable. It's too early to judge. Results will be the only standard."
Media everywhere seemed to share this trait: contrarian thinking for its own sake. They had to present "analysis" to distinguish themselves from the crowd.
The fans, however, were far more straightforward.
On French social media, reactions to the media's earlier criticism of Deschamps and his response were blunt:
"What dependency? Journalists just love creating drama! We won 3-0! Clean sheet! I'll ask you this: Is watching Julien play fun or not? Tactics? Giving Julien the ball is the best tactic! I used to watch matches nervously. Now I watch with confidence! I support Deschamps 100%. Whoever wins games is the right coach!"
"The people analyzing 'Plan B' scenarios—does winning make you uncomfortable? We have Julien now. It's like playing a video game with cheat codes enabled! Not using the cheat code? That's idiocy, isn't it? Full support! I've watched football for decades. The logic is simple: winning is '1,' everything else is zeros behind it. Without that '1,' the prettiest tactics are worthless. Julien is that '1.' Total backing!"
"Stop the nonsense! We need a hero who can win us games. Julien is exactly that! Journalists can complain all they want—doesn't change the fact that we just banked three points!"
The noise and controversy didn't affect Julien.
After resting overnight in Tbilisi, the French squad's chartered plane touched down at Minsk International Airport the following morning.
Deschamps had chosen the most pragmatic route: instead of returning to France, they flew directly to Belarus for the next away fixture. The decision minimized travel fatigue and allowed the team to prepare in optimal condition.
Julien appreciated the arrangement.
As the team bus rolled into downtown Minsk, a distinctly different urban atmosphere washed over them compared to Tbilisi.
September in Minsk brought crystalline blue skies stretching endlessly over their heads. Sunlight filtered through plane trees just beginning to turn golden, casting dappled shadows across wide, perfectly clean boulevards.
The city sat on the banks of the Svislach River—flat terrain, open vistas, monumental Stalinist architecture everywhere. Sprawling parks and tranquil lakes dotted the landscape.
The entire city exuded a quiet, orderly, almost detached quality, a stark contrast to the passionate intensity of the Caucasus.
As for football, in Belarus it was more a popular sport than a national obsession.
The domestic league had limited quality and attention. BATE Borisov was the country's flagship club, the standard-bearer of Belarusian football. But overall, football here drew far less fervor than winter sports like ice hockey.
The national team consistently hovered in Europe's second or third tier, meaning Minsk's football culture remained relatively quiet. It wouldn't generate the hostile away atmosphere France had faced in Tbilisi.
The team's hotel sat in the city center, adjacent to the picturesque Victory Park. Deschamps had arranged for a well-equipped, secluded training facility on the outskirts to ensure uninterrupted preparation.
Here, there were no roaring hostile crowds. No swarms of media. After training sessions, players could even don caps and stroll peacefully along the river or jog through the many parks without being mobbed.
This somewhat isolated environment proved to be a welcome reprieve for the French squad following an intense away match.
The same held true for the players independently.
The relentless grind of domestic leagues, packed international schedules, constant travel, training, matches, and public exposure inevitably drained both body and mind, whether physical or psychological.
That omnipresent scrutiny and pressure was like a string continuously being stretched.
In Minsk, that string could loosen slightly.
Training took place in the mornings with moderate intensity, focused on tactical drills and physical recovery.
Afternoons brought limited free time courtesy of Deschamps.
No packs of journalists camped outside the hotel. No frenzied fans chasing autographs.
This city, with its peculiar tranquility, welcomed these brief visitors without fuss.
In such comfortable surroundings, time passed quickly.
September 10th - France vs. Belarus (Minsk)
7:00 PM, Dinamo Stadium, Minsk
The stadium rebuilt after being destroyed in World War II welcomed just over 30,000 fans tonight.
Though Belarus had never qualified for a European Championship or World Cup since independence, not even the playoff rounds—they remained perpetual also-rans in qualifying campaigns.
But still, the supporters sang with full-throated passion, their chants were rolling through the stands in unbroken waves.
On the pitch, both teams lined up in the center circle.
The moment the clock struck seven, the referee's whistle shrieked.
TWEET!
Kickoff.
Perhaps due to Minsk's comfortable living conditions breeding complacency, or maybe subconscious relaxation against a weaker opponent, France didn't impose the expected dominance from the opening whistle.
Instead, the match began at a sluggish tempo and the hosts, Belarus, played with noticeably more urgency and purpose.
Belarus kicked off and didn't look intimidated, attempting to establish possession through simple, tidy passing.
4th Minute: France finally created their first dangerous chance. Julien sent a perfectly slanted through ball down the flank, instantly slicing open Belarus's defensive line. Valbuena read it instinctively, bursting forward into a one-on-one...
But the linesman's flag shot up.
Offside.
8th Minute: France pressed again. Valbuena combined neatly on the right before laying the ball back to Giroud at the top of the box. Giroud controlled with one touch, set himself, and unleashed a thunderous right-footed drive—
The ball screamed past the right post by inches, sending a collective gasp through the home supporters.
Belarus immediately countered, showcasing genuine threat on the break.
Moments after Giroud's miss, the Belarusian goalkeeper launched a quick goal kick. A few crisp, rapid passes pushed the ball forward, and Hleb, their star player quickly advanced into French territory.
On the counter, the ball found Balanovich surging down the right. He reached the edge of the six-yard box at a tight angle and rifled a shot toward the near post—
The ball flashed just wide of the far corner.
It was a well-constructed, dangerous break. France had dodged a bullet.
Yet the balance remained precarious.
At 22nd Minute, that balance shattered.
Belarus won a corner on the right side. Karachev delivered the cross, the ball arcing toward the penalty spot.
France's marking collapsed on the set piece, it was complete breakdown. Center-back Filipenko rose completely unmarked just seven meters from goal and powered a header on target.
The ball rocketed into the net with pace and precision!
Lloris had no chance.
1-0!
Dinamo Stadium erupted.
The crowd exploded into thunderous celebration.
Belarus had taken a shocking lead against France!
On the touchline, Deschamps threw his arms up in furious frustration, and began roaring at his defenders. His anger wasn't just about the amateur marking on the corner.
It was the entire team's demeanor, the lazy attitude permeating their play.
Too relaxed. Too comfortable.
The traveling French supporters who'd endured 20+ minutes of listless football furrowed their brows in displeasure.
This is ugly.
Through the broadcast, the TF1 commentator didn't hold back: "We have to admit—that was a cheap, completely avoidable goal! Look at this corner defense! Obvious marking failures inside our box! Filipenko had zero pressure when he jumped, this is absolutely unacceptable in a crucial World Cup qualifier away match!
But this goal is just a reflection of the last twenty-odd minutes. Frankly, aside from Julien's brilliant through ball early on that led to Valbuena's offside chance, we've been dreadful going forward—careless, lacking intensity or clear purpose.
Our passing accuracy is abysmal. We've lost complete control of midfield. Valbuena and Matuidi are struggling to feed the ball into dangerous areas.
Most critically, we've completely severed our connection to Julien. He's been forced to drop into the center circle, sometimes even deeper just to touch the ball. And when he does get it, he's immediately swarmed by two or three defenders.
We're not utilizing our strongest weapon at all!
Deschamps needs immediate adjustments. He needs to give clear instructions to the midfielders: 'Find Julien. Whatever it takes.' We need more off-ball movement and support. Faster, more precise transitions through the middle.
Get Julien the ball in the opponent's final third in dangerous positions, not forcing him into midfield grinding battles.
That said, even with his limited, difficult touches, Julien has still shown absolute menace and game-changing ability—"
On the pitch, Julien clapped his hands sharply, calling out to his teammates: "Move! Press them! PRESS!"
Giroud and the others nodded, acknowledging the wake-up call. The previous sloppiness had been real.
From the center circle restart, France's entire demeanor transformed instantly.
The lazy carelessness vanished, replaced by aggressive pressing and relentless running.
The attacking tempo spiked immediately.
Pressure flooded Belarus's defensive third.
Julien, now benefiting from his teammates' movement and off-ball runs, instantly found more space and rhythm. He remained the primary threat down the right flank.
Another dangerous delivery into the box. Giroud attacked it with a powerful header—
The goalkeeper parried it away. France won the second ball and recycled possession, building again.
The attacks came continuously now. Belarus couldn't even catch their breath.
Whenever they managed to win the ball back and tried organizing an attack, they found themselves surrounded by blue jerseys.
Passing lanes were shut down. Interceptions were everywhere.
France's midfield trio of Valbuena, Kanté, Matuidi completely dominated the center of the park.
This configuration might lack creative flair, but the defensive work rate and ball-winning ability was suffocating.
Caught in this blue storm, Belarus's lone star, 33-year-old Aleksandr Hleb looked utterly overwhelmed.
He was playing as the central striker tonight.
The cameras frequently cut to him, showing sweat soaking through his blonde hair. But the former technical maestro was struggling even to turn with the ball now.
One typical sequence was: Hleb received possession, and Kanté immediately closed him down, using his body to lock him in place. Hleb tried changing direction, but his legs couldn't match his intentions. Kanté calmly dispossessed him.
Hleb could only watch helplessly as France launched yet another attack.
The 33-year-old veteran moved with heavy legs, his eyes showing helplessness.
He occasionally still sent a decent pass, but more often he simply lost the ball under the relentless pressure of France's energetic midfield.
The "Belarusian Magician" who once danced gracefully at Arsenal now couldn't even shield possession against the rotating onslaught of Matuidi and Kanté.
Finally, a Breakthrough arrived at 32nd Minute.
Julien collected the ball on the right touchline. Belarus's Vikastov immediately stepped up to mark him tightly.
Julien didn't force it. Instead, he used a subtle shift in rhythm to deceive Vikastov's balance, then nudged the ball forward into space and exploded into acceleration.
Vikastov spun to chase, but his first step was too slow, Julien had already created separation.
Covering defenders Bordachev and Dragun converged rapidly, forming a three-man trap.
Boxed in with minimal space, Julien using his right foot's outside deftly poked the ball through a gap between bodies, sending it perfectly to overlapping fullback Sagna.
Sagna understood immediately. Without breaking stride, he slid a first-time through ball into the channel ahead.
And in that exact instant, Julien had already ignited, a blue lightning bolt was bursting free from the three-man press, sprinting directly into the penalty area.
His explosive acceleration left Belarus's entire defensive line in his trail.
Inside the box, chaos fell. Giroud charging through the middle, Ribery attacking the far post, both with arms raised, demanding the ball.
The Belarusian goalkeeper's attention was drawn toward the central threats, his weight was shifting slightly toward the middle of the goal.
Everyone expected Julien to square it for the tap-in—
Instead, he shaped his left leg and fired.
A ferocious near-post strike!
The goalkeeper had been completely deceived by the body feint! By the time he tried adjusting toward the near post, it was far too late.
The ball kissed the inside of the near post and slammed into the net.
1-1!
Julien had leveled the score!
He didn't immediately celebrate with wild sprints. First, he pointed directly at Sagna, who'd provided the critical through ball, his face was breaking into a dazzling grin as he shouted: "Perfect pass, Bacary!"
Sagna laughed and waved back appreciatively.
Only then did Julien turn and jog toward the away section in the corner flag area.
He faced that patch of blue once more, spread his arms wide, and pumped his hands energetically, answering the supporters' thunderous roar.
Teammates flooded in from all directions. Giroud leaped onto his back from behind, laughing as he wrapped both arms around Julien's neck. Amid the jubilant chaos, Julien quickly composed himself.
Even while returning teammates' embraces, he raised his voice clearly and firmly above the noise: "Alright, brothers! Focus! Stay focused! The match just started! Let's push harder and finish this early!"
"Yes!"
"Absolutely—let's bury them! Stay sharp!"
Meanwhile, the TF1 commentator, after a string of exuberant "BUUUUUT!" calls exhaled with relief: "Him again! Always him! Julien! When this team desperately needs someone to step up, it's always him!
This team genuinely falls apart without him!
We have to admit, Deschamps was completely right. When you possess a player capable of single-handedly changing matches, not making him your absolute core would be the height of stupidity!
Look at this goal. Team bogged down, even trailing, who stepped up?
Always Julien!
What 'dependency syndrome'? That's not a problem! Having a superstar is itself a tactical advantage!
Think about the great teams, which one didn't build around their core player?
Right now, in attack, France can attempt various approaches but when it comes to reliably converting chances into goals, the most trustworthy option is Julien!
That's reality!
Deschamps' insistence is completely justified—give Julien the ball, and that IS the best tactic! He's this French team's lighthouse and answer!"
After Julien's equalizer, Deschamps felt his anxiety ease considerably on the touchline.
The moment also brought back memories of the media's criticism.
The press always stirs up trouble, he thought bitterly. If we hadn't gotten Julien's goal, they'd be out there again, complaining about poor results, ugly football.
Their mouths just flap up and down. Words come out with no accountability at all.
As the players finished celebrating and walked back toward the center circle, Deschamps shouted instructions: "Maintain it! Keep the pressure on!"
Beside him, Belarus coach Georgy Kondratyev looked somewhat helpless.
This was the impact of a superstar. The media criticized Deschamps, but as a head coach himself, Kondratyev could only envy him.
Who wouldn't want a player like Julien, someone capable of deciding matches in their squad?
'If Belarus had even one Julien, would we need to struggle like this?'
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