"Nothing beats being a world champion": France head coach Didier Deschamps ahead of FIFA WC
Los Angeles, June 2
Ahead of the FIFA World Cup, France head coach Didier Deschamps stressed the importance of focusing on the present rather than dwelling on past successes.
In an interview to FIFA's official website, Deschamps while acknowledging the significance of France's World Cup triumphs in 1998 and 2018, he emphasised that those achievements cannot be changed and that the team's attention must remain on the challenges ahead.
Deschamps also reflected on the unique prestige of winning the World Cup, describing it as the pinnacle of his career despite his success at club level, including in the UEFA Champions League. He noted that becoming a world champion is a distinction that stays with a person forever and remains unmatched in football.
"I only ever think about today and tomorrow; that's just how I am. Honestly, nothing else matters. I'm focused on what lies ahead. What happened in 1998 and 2018 will always stay with me, but nothing can change the past. What matters now is what we do next," Deschamps said as per the FIFA website.
"My role may have changed between 1998 and 2018, but I was there both times. Both experiences were truly magical. I've been lucky enough to win trophies at club level, the UEFA Champions League, etc, but nothing beats being a world champion. Your name stays the same, but two words are added forever: world champion," he added.
Only Deschamps, the late Mario Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer have won the FIFA World Cup as both players and coaches.
Should France lift the trophy once again this summer, Deschamps would carve out a place in history of his own, becoming the first coach to win the World Cup twice while also having won it as a player, and the first man to guide a nation to three consecutive World Cup finals.
France goes into the tournament among the favourites once again, just as they did at Qatar 2022. France is a part of Group I and will be competing against Senegal, Iraq and Norway in the group stage, with their campaign starting from June 16 in New Jersey against Senegal.
France World Cup squad:
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Brice Samba, Robin Risser.
Defenders: Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kounde, Maxence Lacroix, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano.
Midfielders: N'Golo Kante, Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Warren Zaire-Emery.
Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Marcus Thuram.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Deschamps is a legend - winning as player and coach is unreal. But honestly, France's squad is so deep this year. Mbappe, Dembele, Tchouameni... it's like a FIFA Ultimate Team! Just hope they don't get complacent like in 2022 final. India should take notes on how to build a football culture.
As a neutral, I hope France don't win again. It's boring seeing the same teams dominate. But Deschamps' mentality is spot-on. Remember when India's football team tried to qualify for the World Cup? We need this kind of winning mindset in our domestic leagues first.
Group I looks tricky for France - Senegal are no pushovers, Norway has Haaland. But Deschamps' experience as both player and coach is invaluable. "Nothing beats being world champion" - that line gives me chills. Hope we see India in the World Cup someday too. 🇮🇳⚽
Respect to Deschamps for focusing on the present, but France's defense looks a bit shaky this time. Saliba is good but Upamecano can be inconsistent. Still, with Kante back, they have the best midfield in the tournament. Just wish India had even 10% of their football infrastructure.
The man has won everything - as player and coach. That's like Kapil Dev winning World Cup as captain and then coaching India to another one. Deschamps is a true champion. France vs Senegal opener will be interesting; Senegal always gives them a tough fight. Can't wait!
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