Rayan Cherki after France U21’s latest defeat: “We’ll need to take a good look at ourselves.”

Rayan Cherki (20) has said that the France U21 side need to “take a good look at themselves” after their latest defeat. Thierry Henry’s side lost 3-0 to South Korea in Le Havre on Monday night. 

Henry had won his first four games as manager of Les Bleuets, however, his side have not replicated that level during the current international break. Following a 2-0 loss to Austria last week, Henry’s first as manager, Les Bleuets suffered another defeat, this time against South Korea. 

The former AS Monaco manager was highly critical of his side’s performance, notably pointing the finger at defensive errors, particularly for South Korea’s second and third goals. “The result is horrible […] There will be the 2001s (in March’s international break). We’ll certainly have a different XI, just like we’ll have a different XI for the Olympic Games. We have to prepare and we’ll see who comes back,” said Henry after the result. 

Cherki was equally critical post-match. “It’s a defeat that hurts. We really wanted to make up for the defeat against Austria. It’s disappointing, as much on the defensive side of things as on the attacking side. We’ll need to take a good look at ourselves. I don’t know if this is part of the learning process. I think we’ve played enough matches to be able to avoid this kind of defeat and these kinds of goals. In the future, we’ll have to play with more desire and more aggression to win matches,” said the Olympique Lyonnais forward in a post-match interview, transcribed by L’Équipe.

It has been a disappointing break for the France U21 side. The players will now return to their respective clubs. Cherki, who has been in and out of the Lyon side this season, will be hoping to help Les Gones kick on after they registered their first victory of the campaign just before the international break. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle