Blanc: We can do better

3 September 2011 10:39

France coach Laurent Blanc can see plenty of room for improvement after his side’s 2-1 victory over Albania in Euro 2012 qualifying.

Early goals from Karim Benzema and Yann M'Vila suggested that visitors France could run away with Friday's match in Tirana.

But the home side rallied at the Qemal Stafa Stadium, pulling a goal back through Erjon Bogdani in the 46th minute.

"There are good things to be taken from the contest," Blanc told TF1 after the game.

"Of course, we can improve."

Blanc had hoped for a third goal to put the result beyond doubt, but a strike force boasting the likes of Samir Nasri, Florent Malouda and Franck Ribery were unable to oblige, instead hitting the woodwork three times.

"Offensively, we can always do better," Blanc said.

"It would have taken a third goal to take us away from them, unfortunately the goalkeeper and the frame of the goal decided otherwise."

Blanc reserved praise for Lyon goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who, playing behind an unfamiliar defensive combination, did well to restrict Albania to just one goal.

"Hugo had to make a number of decisive stops; he had a good game," Blanc said.

France, who are now three points clear at the top of Group D, take on Romania away from home on Tuesday.

And Blanc is expecting another examination in the match at Stadionul Steaua.

"We will have the same type of game as today in the future, especially away," he said.

"It should be the case for example in three days' time against Romania. Winning away is more and more difficult."

"I think my players know there are no more easy away games."

"The Albanians were undefeated on their own pitch for a long time, you saw the atmosphere in the stadium. We were really good in the first half today, the rest of the match was a bit more difficult."