The French team took over Denmark (1-0) and Uruguay (5-1) with two very different starting "elevens" and changing tactical animations, relegating the general performance to the background to make plenty of room for experimentation.

In Corinne Deacon's mind, it's now or never to try new combinations.

The boss of the Bleues will only have the April rally, then, before the announcement of her list for the World Cup (July 20 - August 20).

"I am using this tournament to put things in place, to see players, quite simply", and to try to have as many "answers" as possible before the home stretch, she explained Monday in conference of press.

Inevitably, the experiments are done "sometimes to the detriment of the performance of certain players, but I have to accept it", she however agreed after the half-hearted victory against Uruguay.

Between workforce review and innovations, the coach therefore runs several hares at a time, even if it means putting the newcomers in a wobbly situation.

Against the Celeste, the river score appears flattering and the technician did not hide it, frustrated after a first period spoiled by too many approximations and a rather flagrant defensive feverishness.

"Not too bad to play"

The absence of usual executives like Griedge Mbock, currently injured, and Aïssatou Tounkara, unselected because of his club difficulties, certainly did not help to smooth the tricolor game.

The players brought in to take over, at least in February, however, did not all score many points, like Hawa Cissoko, who left at half-time after a completely missed first period.

Beyond individual cases, Deacon found some "timid" and perhaps too tender for the international level, which could block their horizon in the short and medium term.

"After 20 or 40 minutes, or even after an entire match, I don't condemn anyone", qualified the coach on Monday, while maintaining the pressure on her young shoots.

"If at 21 or 22 I tell them + you played 20 minutes and scored a goal, that's fine, stop there, that's great +, no, I'm not in my role. My role is is to tell them that they can and must do more".

Facing Norway, the thirteenth nation in the world ranking, the coach hopes to see the slider rise several notches on a mental and athletic level, she warned.

"In terms of the game, I remain unsatisfied. I expect animation, risk-taking, audacity", she detailed after the success against Uruguay, obtained in particular thanks to the first international goals from Kessya Bussy and Naomie Feller.

The French Kessya Bussy (N.19) scorer against Uruguay, February 18, 2023 in Angers © JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER / AFP

Wishing to broaden her palette, Deacon took advantage of the Tournoi de France to test a three-way defense again, as in November against Norway (2-1).

At the time of finding the Scandinavians, still deprived of their Ballon d'Or 2018 Ada Hegerberg, the boss of the Blue has a new cartridge to prowl his team before the deadlines of the summer.

With the return of the usual holders?

In a three or four defense?

As usual, the technician did not let her intentions filter Monday in the face of journalists.

"I have a third game and there will be a third team," she simply replied.

"I'm here to see things, I haven't seen everything yet. I want to give myself as many possibilities as possible".

Impossible to know more about the players and the system chosen.

On the other hand, the objective is displayed: "to win and try not to play too badly".

© 2023 AFP