Didier Deschamps, Head Coach of France, looks on before the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Austria and France at Düsseldorf Arena on June 17, 2024 in Düsseldorf, Germany.
France manager Didier Deschamps said his England colleague Thomas Tuchel is one of the important reasons for the Three Lions to have a chance to win the World Cup in Mexico, Canada and the United States. He also noted that Spain will make life very difficult for its opponents.
Another thing that France will talk about before this tournament is how they will combine their attacking talent in one team. Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has been questioned about his leadership of late, but there is no doubt that he will be leading the line when Les Bleus kick off.
“I always thought, and I will say it again today, that the French national team will always be strong for him. But it wasn’t always like that. Unfortunately for him, at the Euros, he came from PSG after six very difficult months, and he didn’t get time to play. Now we have 10 days for two games; his preparations are not the best, he told Marku that he did very well.
“In a way, he will always be talked about. If I look at the context of France, I think it’s normal: these days, a few are always loud because they are very loud, while the majority is silent. You live with criticism, prepare for it, whether it’s right or wrong. Then Real doesn’t win, Real wins. that you have a responsibility like the rest of the squad.”
“However, because he’s Kylian, he’s held to very high standards and he’s held to very high standards. The same thing happens with the French national team.”
Deschamps thoughts on the World Cup
Speaking in detail about the World Cup, Deschamps did not mention the dark horse that will take the title.
“It’s the same for you. Germany, Spain, France, Portugal, England, Argentina, Brazil… Then African teams like Morocco, reach the semi-finals and continue to progress. Why isn’t there another African team? Today there are 48 teams, which expands the competition.”
Naturally, Deschamps’ side will be one of the favorites themselves.
“It is kind that you say that we are one of the favorites, because the practice often calls us the favorite. The situation we have before the World Cup. At first, there is talk of a closed circle of six, seven, or eight teams. For me, it is not a bad word. The results we obtained are due to the quality of our players, but also to our consistency: if I am not mistaken, we were among the top three in the FIFA list since 2018.”
“With Senegal, Iraq, and Norway in our group, a difficult phase awaits. There will be obstacles to overcome, and we will do everything possible to do that, we admit that it will be difficult. Ambition is important, but it must be accompanied by the necessary humility. The elite is merciless. It has happened to us once, especially against your level of Switzerland, even a low day of punishment.”
Deschamps: “It is difficult for the defense to face Spain”
Spain come into the tournament high on confidence, following their Euro 2024 triumph.
“Stylistically, they are still the same. If there is one difference that allowed them to win the European Championship, it is that, in addition to Spain’s long-term ability to keep the ball, they have an additional advantage because of the characteristics of their players: speed. And speed is dangerous. It makes things very difficult in defense.”
Deschamps – ‘Tuchel is a very good manager’
Regarding the opportunities in England, the French manager mentioned Tuchel, who has been asked a lot of questions, as one of the important reasons that they should be considered as villains.
“They have a very good manager who I admire a lot, and with whom I had the opportunity to talk a little. I am not at all against the idea that the English league is the best. Because of the great players they have, and the financial resources, there is no doubt that they are the highest. For me, that is where my players are most used to those demands every day, PSG, the English club, or the best English in Bayern.”
