- News
- Editorials
- Live
- Transfer Zone
- Clubs
-
Europe
- Europe Home
- Europe News
- England Home
- England Table/Results
- Italy Home
- Italy Table/Results
- Spain Home
- Spain Table/Results
- Germany Home
- Germany Table/Results
- Champions League Home
- CL Fixtures/Results
- Europa League Home
- EL Fixtures/Results
- Rest of Europe Home
- Rest of Europe News
- World Cup 2014 News
- World Cup 2014 Fixtures/Results
- Asia
- Goal Rich List 2013
- Americas
- Champions League
- Europa League
- World Cup
- Video
|
|
Nancy boss believes that the central defensive pairing have got all the attributes required to act as a strong foundation for les Bleus' defence
Experienced coach Jean Fernandez was full of praise for France's two centre-backs Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and Mamadou Sakho after the national team's qualifying win against Finland.The two defenders helped France to keep a clean sheet, which continued the side's run of good performances, following the goalless friendly draw with Uruguay in August.
"They were strong against Uruguay and they performed [again] in Finland, which was another challenge with pressure," explained Fernandez, speaking to FranceFootball.fr.
"They emit a strength, power and speed that makes a modern defence. These are two players with personality in a position which requires it."
The Nancy boss also gave his thoughts on France's future, something which he believes the defensive duo will be heavily involved in.
"This is very encouraging for the future. They open other perspectives for Didier [Deschamps] in this key sector."
France face Belarus in their next group match, with Yanga-Mbiwa and Sakho highly likely to be involved.
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets |
|
| Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached! |
|
| Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET! |
|
Related Stories
-
Player Ratings: Dortmund 1-2 Bayern
Goal.com rates the players on show as die Roten edge out their Bundesliga rivals to complete the double after a closely contested Champions League final at Wembley
-
Robben is finally Bayern's braveheart
The winger was the driving force behind the German outfit's triumph after years of playing second fiddle in the final
-
Pep has a lot to live up to after Bayern win
The Catalan coach was appointed in January with a view to getting the best out of the Bavarians' golden generation. But just four months on, they are already European champions
-
Top 10 all-time Champions League scorers
As the competition moves within days of its much-anticipated conclusion at Wembley, Goal profiles the most prolific players in its history
-
Top 10 Champions League Final Moments
As Europe braces itself for an all German classic at Wembley on Saturday, Goal.com takes a look back at some of the iconic moments in the history of Uefa's showpiece event since its rebranding in 1992.

