France manager Didier Deschamps spoke in a press conference ahead of their clash against Denmark. Here is what he has to say.
Didier Deschamps hails Ousmane Dembele’s maturity
Before their 2022 World Cup match against Denmark, France head coach Didier Deschamps singled out Barcelona sensation Ousmane Dembele for praise.
In the second half, Dembele provided Kylian Mbappe with an assist, which supported Deschamps’ choice to start him.
The former Borussia Dortmund winger appears poised for a significant part for France in the coming weeks, according to Deschamps, who believes a corner has been turned.
Deschamps said, “Dembele was a member of a team that won the World Cup in 2018.”
“He has had severe injuries throughout the past four years since then. Ousmane has progressed with Barcelona’s daily demands. He is in a much better position in my eyes.”
“Dembele has the remarkable capacity to harm opposing defenses, as evidenced by the fact that he began the first game. He seems more complete and mature to me.”
?ļø| Didier Deschamps (France coach) on Ousmane DembĆ©lĆ©
?ļø: "He has had several injuries in recent years, but now he is an important player. The day-to-day demands at BarƧa have also made him better. We see him as a better player, more mature and more developed." pic.twitter.com/u9hKbno6Zl
— BarƧa Buzz (@Barca_Buzz) November 25, 2022
Deschamps: Varane is fit and ready to face Denmark
Didier Deschamps said Raphael Varane is “healthy and ready” to play for France against Denmark during a pre-game press conference on Saturday.
Varane’s recovery is being monitored, but Deschamps said in a press conference before Saturday’s match against Denmark that the center-back will be able to participate in France’s second World Cup game.
“He was in shape so that he could have played against Australia. Dembele wasn’t any less fit for the second match than the first.”
“He knows. The most crucial factor is that he feels mentally and physically prepared. I know he is,” Deschamps said during a press conference.
France boss Didier Deschamps on Raphael Varane: "He was ready to play in the first game. He was fit. We discuss these issues with him. He is still fit for the second game. Of course we have to make choices. I know thatās the case so I will have to take a decision in that regard."
— Emma Sanders (@em_sandy) November 25, 2022
Didier Deschamps believes that Denmark is underrated
Didier Deschamps stated that his team’s opponents on Saturday were “underrated” before France’s World Cup encounter versus Denmark.
According to the FIFA rankings, Denmark is now ranked 10th, and Deschamps thinks it’s crucial to respect their competition.
The France manager, though, quashed any notions of retaliation. “I’ve argued numerous times that Denmark is undervalued compared to its true worth.”
“They caused us a lot of trouble, so we must ensure that we buck the trend, but without bringing up retaliation or anything similar,” said Deschamps in a press conference before the game.
“It is a team that can change systems, which can cause more challenges,” he stated.
At Stadium 974, France will take on Denmark on Saturday at 16:00 (UK), followed by Tunisia on Wednesday in their last group-stage match.
