Premier League
Deschamps defends Dembélé after goal and assist vs Iraq
France beat Iraq convincingly in Philadelphia as Ousmane Dembélé, who scored and assisted, earned praise from head coach Didier Deschamps, who joked that journalists might now look elsewhere for criticism. The 2024 friendly saw Dembélé's one‑on‑one finish after a Michael Olise pass and his assist for Kylian Mbappé's second goal.
Deschamps said “Maybe now you [journalists] will get off his case now and find another target,” after the match. He added that there have been no issues with Dembélé, that he is adapting to a system he rarely plays in, and that physical form will aid his adjustments. Deschamps described Dembélé as a decisive player whose capacity will shine once he is fully fit.
Deschamps affirmed that Dembélé has his confidence and does not doubt himself. He noted that Dembélé has been with the France national team since 2018, often as a substitute. He highlighted that today’s performance, including the goal, is good for Dembélé and the national team.
Dembélé’s assist came after he intercepted a missed first touch by Iraq goalkeeper Ahmed Basil. The interception set up Kylian Mbappé’s second goal of the match. Ten minutes later Dembélé converted a close‑range one‑on‑one chance after being played through by Michael Olise, marking his first major‑tournament goal.
The match report was filed by Raphaël Jucobin from Philadelphia. He covered the French side’s display and the coach’s comments.