Didier Deschamps before the match Argentina-France: “Our rivals are not in the stands”

He assures. There is no new information about the health status of feverish football players. Believe it or not, in any case, Didier Deschamps this Saturday reiterated how the French team lived in complete peace on the eve of the World Cup final against Argentina.

How are you ? How are the players? How much does it interfere with the group and the preparation for this final?

DIDIE DECHAMPS. I’m fine, thanks for taking care of me. As for the players, they were all asleep when I left this morning. I don’t have the latest information. We cope better, calmly, depending on different situations that are not similar. We will have data until tomorrow to be ready for this important match.

What precautions are you taking?

I know that you are interested in this topic and I understand that. I don’t want to go into details. We try to take as many precautions as possible and adapt. Without bending the stick in one direction or the other.

The whole world wants Messi to be crowned. Are you feeling lonely?

I am often alone, I like it. But then there are the elusive ones. The key word is adapt. Today we are here, in the final, we have done everything for this. Argentina also had situations with Lionel Scaloni to deal with. The defeat in the first match (2:1) against Saudi Arabia is one of them. I have no worries, no stress. The main thing is to keep calm.

The final, whatever it may be, especially at the World Cup, there is a match and a special context. I know that Argentines, Messi fans, all the people and even some of the French want Argentina to win. But we don’t quite agree with that (laughs). (…) When this is the first final, there are fewer landmarks. Some of our players have already played several finals. It definitely helps. It is important to manage emotions. My speech will be different depending on the players.

Are you worried about the atmosphere in the stadium?

Argentina has very strong popular support. Like all competitions. The stadium will be predominantly Argentinean. I expect a festive atmosphere. Argentines are passionate people. They fully support their team, but this creates a positive atmosphere. They sing a lot and are very expressive. Our opponents are not in the stands. There are enough qualities to focus on this. One of the two teams at the end of this match will have a third star.

How do you assess the evolution of Argentina since 2018 and victory in the 1/8 finals (4-3) ?

They have seven players who already played in 2018. This is really not the same team, it makes no sense to compare. It was the 8th final. But the six games they played in this World Cup, with different systems and players, have served us well. We have three observers (Lionel Rouxel, José Alcacer, Jean-Luc Vannuchi), which allows us to have very accurate information. They can do something different in the final, and so can we. Morocco did so in the semi-finals by switching to a 5-man defense.

Why is Kylian Mbappe so quiet? What do you think of this strategy?

He speaks when he wants to speak. Kaylian needs rest. What interests him is to focus on the field. He’s in a great mood. I have no desire to disturb his peace.

A few months ago you said that you would like to stay for 10 years if possible.

Even twenty years (laughs). The French national team is the best thing that has happened to me professionally. First as a player and now as a coach. It is a passion of a very, very high level. More important is not me, but the team. She is above all, I have served her for ten years. It’s nice to think of me. But what’s on my mind is tomorrow’s game.

Are you surprised that Karim Benzema is back on the pitch this week? And do you think he will come and support the team for the final?

Do you distribute information to foreign journalists? If I don’t answer, you’ll say I’m angry. I have players who are injured. Benzema is one of them. Now I have 24 players. Asking me this question is at least embarrassing, if not more so. I don’t deal with invitations from players, ex-players or injured players. Some will be there, some won’t. I dont know. We are a group at the start. And judging by what happened, we’re 24. Whether it’s Nkunku, Benzema or Lucas Hernandez, they were part of the beginning of the adventure. Today I have 24 players for the final against Argentina.