Michael O'Neill pays tribute to departing Didier Deschamps after France clash
Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill praised outgoing France boss Didier Deschamps as a "fantastic national team manager" following France's 3-1 victory in Lille.
Фото: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Автор: Biser Todorov ( User:Biso ) from Sofia, Bulgaria
Following France's 3-1 win over Northern Ireland in Lille, visiting manager Michael O'Neill took the opportunity to praise outgoing French boss Didier Deschamps. The French manager has confirmed he will step down after the upcoming World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico.
O'Neill, who took charge of Northern Ireland shortly before Deschamps became France manager in 2012, highlighted the Frenchman's ability to manage a squad full of superstars. "Didier was appointed just after I was in my first spell, he's been a fantastic national team manager," O'Neill said.
He was a magnificent player and leader as a player and he's brought that into his management career. Michael O'Neill
The match itself saw an in-form Michael Olise score a hat-trick for France, while Patrick Kelly netted for the visitors. O'Neill expressed satisfaction with his young side's performance and discipline, despite a contentious VAR decision regarding France's first goal. The Northern Ireland manager also commended the development of 20-year-old Kelly, who marked his second start with his first international goal.