Deschamps: We need to find the right chemistry. We can't let self-awareness become an obstacle.

France, nicknamed the "Les Bleus," will face Senegal in their opening Group I match of the 2026 World Cup, embarking on a challenging journey. In an interview, head coach Didier Deschamps stated that the players joining the team all possess potential, but it's crucial to find the right chemistry and prevent the players' individuality from becoming an obstacle.

Didier Deschamps, the French national team coach, won the World Cup as a player with France in 1998 and led the "Les Bleus" to victory as a coach in 2018.

When asked about France's goals for this World Cup, head coach Didier Deschamps said, "I only think about the present and tomorrow. That's my personality. Nothing else matters. I'm only focused on the future. What happened in 1998 and 2018 will forever remain in my memory, but no one can change the past. What matters is what we do next. I was in a different position in 1998 and 2018, but both experiences were incredibly wonderful."

“I’ve been fortunate to win titles with my club, including the Champions League, but nothing surpasses being a world champion. Your name won’t change, but it will always have two more words: world champion. People have high expectations for us because of our achievements. We lifted the trophy in 2018 and reached the final in 2022, so our supporters naturally hope to see France still in the title race in mid-July.”

Emphasizing that there is no revenge in sports

Deschamps pointed out, "We are one of the 10 to 12 teams that have a chance to compete for the World Cup, but do you know how many teams will ultimately succeed? Only one, which means that at least 11 national teams will leave disappointed."

It's worth noting that France lost to Senegal during the 2002 World Cup. Deschamps shared, "My current players weren't even born that year, or were too young to understand what happened. There's no revenge in sports; that's history. Now it's a new chapter, and Senegal is one of Africa's top footballing nations."

Regarding the squad, players such as Mbappe, Dembele, Olisé, Thuram, and Laryan Serki have all been called up, making the starting lineup a topic of discussion among fans. Deschamps commented, "They can't all play at the same time. These players are all extremely talented, but we need to find the right chemistry and not let individualism and ego become obstacles. The team needs balance, and more importantly, the compatibility and understanding between the players."

"From an individual ability perspective, we have a very strong attacking force, and I have many options. If there are any minor shortcomings in the 2026 squad, that's just an objective fact. The 2018 players had already experienced the major tournaments of 2014 and 2016 before winning the title. This time, I have many young players under my command who have relatively less experience in major competitions."

In addition, Deschamps said, "When they put on this jersey, they have a responsibility. This jersey represents responsibility and requires them to perform as expected. When I first took over 14 years ago, I told the players that they were not there to take, but to give."

"Don't ask me what I'll do next, I don't know either. But in any case, everything will go well. The French national team has shaped my career more profoundly than anything else. In total, 25 years, 11 as a player and 14 as a coach, has been the best experience of my life."

Image source: Internet