At 21:00 UTC (CEST) on July 5, France will face Paraguay in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16. On the eve of the match, France coach Didier Deschamps attended a press conference. This is the second part of the press conference.
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Hello, Didier. The Paraguay coach mentioned storms and lightning when discussing France's playing style. Will you deliver that kind of "thunderclap" against them tomorrow?
No, no, I promise nothing.
How can you avoid falling into Paraguay's trap?
It's not a trap; to be honest, I don't know why you use that word. When a team – I repeat – appears in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, they don't just come out of nowhere. They beat Germany, so you'll tell me: "Yes, maybe some people say Germany was better, but who qualified?" It was Paraguay, so they will give their all; they have nothing to lose.
There are no traps for us; we know very well where we stand, and our goal is to get past this stage. After that, if they praise us, that is good, but it will not change their attitude tomorrow. I can also praise them because they deserve it; they are here, and at this stage of the competition, all matches are necessarily difficult. I have watched most of the Round of 16 matches, and that is how it is: everyone responds, and the further we go, the more we understand our own strength, but the opponent's strength also increases.
Hello, Didier. I have two questions. Many of us have noticed that you've loosened up a bit during this FIFA World Cup?
Who? Me?
Yes, in many ways, you have been more direct in some of your answers, especially regarding certain attitudes, so I'll try my luck: can we get tomorrow's starting lineup?
Ah, then don't dream (laughs).
Okay, I have another question, then...
In any case, if you stay on the field, you will get it.
Really? Then we’ll find a way!
Yes, yes, yes, I know that. So, regarding the starting lineup, I don't want to waste time on that.
Will the hot weather have an impact on the starting lineup, given that you have all the players' physical data, and might some players adapt better or worse to the heat?
That's a good question. This is a new criterion, but what reference point is my physical data based on? Is it based on the temperature when they play? No, I am asking a question now. And the physical data covers all the matches the players have played. Well, they all took part in training, although, as I told you, there were only four days, mainly with a lot of recovery.
No, high temperature is not a criterion for replacing A with B, no. After that, I am willing to believe that some players, those who play in the south or in hotter countries, may be better adapted and more accustomed to it, perhaps. But high temperature affects everyone, so it will inevitably lead to greater physical exertion. That is why hydration is extremely important, along with all the measures we have implemented to combat high temperatures.
In recent days, your players have said that they are having a lot of fun and enjoying themselves on the field. As a coach, are you equally happy on the sidelines? What role and function do you play in this new spirit of freedom and joy that we are seeing on the field?
They enjoy it, and I have been enjoying this for 14 years, so I know the privilege I have and the pride I feel here; it is great. Of course, I have my responsibilities. After that, I had my first career, and I know very well that credit first goes to the players, then to the coach, head coach, and coaching staff; that is how it is.
Beyond the players' footballing talent, there is also the human side, because this is a sporting adventure, and both they and I will be judged on it. But it is also a human adventure, so obviously, getting to know the players in depth is about human choices. Although the primary criterion remains the competitive level, I am not going to offer some magic formula, such as a harmonious team.
There is a very good team spirit here. Obviously, as in all teams, some are closer than others, but there are no cliques; they are all focused on the goal ahead. The less I intervene, the better the results. I will intervene and communicate a lot with them, both collectively and individually, in order to prepare them, or if I feel that something is not going in the right direction for the collective interest. But honestly, I rarely need to intervene in this regard because they are all very professional.
You beat Iraq here on that rainy day, and this match is for the FIFA World Cup in Philadelphia. Would you like to share some of your thoughts and words for the Philadelphia stadium, the event organizers, and the fans?
I didn't quite understand; perhaps it was a translation issue, but I didn't fully understand and wasn't sure how to answer you. Yes, I know we played Iraq in Philadelphia before, and everything went well. We felt good in Philadelphia. Beyond that, I don't know what else to say about Philadelphia, unless I put my headphones back on, but I really didn't quite understand.
Good afternoon, Didier. Does the 1998 France vs. Paraguay match (also a FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match, which France won 1-0 in extra time through a golden goal from Laurent Blanc) bring back any memories for you? What are your thoughts on Julio Enciso?
That was a long time ago, in 1998; my players weren't even born yet. But I remember it was an important moment for French football in the FIFA World Cup. This is a different contest. This Paraguay team we are playing against undoubtedly still has the same fighting spirit, but they are very strong. For example, Enciso had a very good season in Strasbourg, France. He is a player with a huge impact on the team. Like Almiron, they have excellent technique, know how to combine between players, and I have seen their performances.
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