French national team coach Didier Deschamps appeared in press statements after the loss to Spain 5-4 in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals.

The coach said: "The emotions are mixed: there are many good things to take advantage of, especially the first twenty minutes in terms of precision. We finished the match with many opportunities, more than our opponent who was effective. Despite the large score, we continued on our path, we succeeded in making them tremble in the end. I won't smile, but I don't want to take away any credit from my players; I have a young team, and this will be beneficial."

He added: "When we concede goals, we tend to blame the defense, but I won't go there: it's a matter of balance. Three of the four players who participated in all the matches over the past two years missed the game. Especially when you see the quality in front of you. Clément Lenglet also faced a small personal issue and had to make a return trip to Madrid on Tuesday, but he insisted on playing."

He continued: "Today's match is not at all the same match that took place between us in the Euros. We had the credit and satisfaction of mastering the game. After that, it’s a matter of efficiency. We conceded goals, but their goalkeeper made some good saves. They are full of confidence. But I repeat, we did not have all our strength. I do not forget that we were significantly behind, but we showed some good things. Against this team, you have to be at your best everywhere, that's a fact."

Regarding Mbappé playing as a striker and Dembélé on the right wing: "I don’t understand what you mean; they all have the freedom to move. Then I said that Kylian is our striker, but nothing is fixed, there is a starting point. You are talking about Ousmane then, but at his club, he has a lot of freedom. And there weren't just two of them, but there were four of them. There are other options, but I will not change Kylian's position. Ousmane can play in more than one position."

He concluded: "I will not enjoy conceding goals. I do not doubt the quality of the players present here, but there are automatic reactions with others. We will have to find the right balance, because we are an attacking team; I do not want to give that up, because we have that quality."