France will meet Argentina for the second consecutive World Cup. This time, it’s worth the cup. In Russia, in 2018, the two teams faced each other in the round of 16, with the French victory by 4 to 3. According to coach Didier Deschamps, the Argentina that will enter the field this Sunday (18) is totally different.
“It is not the same team as in 2018, I cannot compare. The same players were not present, and it was in the round of 16. Here, they played with different formations and different players. Our observers saw all the games, although it is true that they can do something new tomorrow. So are we. You have to be prepared for all situations”, said the coach.
For the French press, there is greater support for Argentina in Qatar. Deschamps said he recognized this trend of support for his rival, but said it was not a cause for concern.
“I am aware that this team has very important popular support, this is seen in all competitions. I expect a festive atmosphere, the Argentine people are passionate, they are cheering a lot for their selection. But our opponent will be on the field, not in the bleachers,” said the Frenchman.
“The two teams will have the same objective: one of the two will put the third star on the shirt after the game. I’m not worried, I don’t have stress. The important thing in a game like this is to keep calm.”
For this Sunday’s match, Deschamps still has doubts because of the flu outbreak that hit the team. Konaté, Varane and Coman, who stayed out of training on Friday, returned to work this Saturday (17), but it’s still not known who will play.
“We try to manage in the best possible way, calmly in the different information. Let’s see how the players evolve.”
On the fact that Kylian Mbappé, the star of the selection, did not speak to journalists, Deschamps defended the player saying that he needs concentration.
“Kylian [Mbappé] he needs to be calm and focused on the field and what he has to do. He has a great mentality from before the start of the World Cup and from the beginning with the group. I don’t want to disturb his tranquility in any way.”
The coach was once again asked at the press conference about Benzema’s presence in the group for the final game. The striker was cut before the start of the World Cup because of injury, but he is already recovered. Showing discomfort, Deschamps says that the player will not be with the national team.
“If I don’t answer, they’ll say I’m angry. I’ve had players injured before, and Karim Benzema is part of that group of players. The last one to be injured was Lucas Hernández in the first game. As of that moment, I have 24 players to manage. Asking the question about one of these players directly is inappropriate to say the least. It is a group of 24 players, and they are the ones who will face Argentina tomorrow.”
Deschamps’ contract with France ends at the end of this month. He said not to “keep in mind what will happen next”.
“I was never the most important, but the selection is. It is above all, I have been at your service for ten years and for the game that awaits us tomorrow. Thinking about me is a detail, but I am not the most important.”
with agencies
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