FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Preview: No French anxiety despite absences - Deschamps
 Posted on : Nov 22, 2022, 12:24PM   0 total views  Category : FIFA World Cup
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Preview: France vs Australia (3am Brunei)

France manager Didier Deschamps (left) and striker Kylian Mbappe

Descamps and Mbappe helped France win the 2018 World Cup

 

France manager Didier Deschamps says there is no anxiety within his side's camp at the World Cup, despite the withdrawal of several of key players.

 

France won the tournament in 2018 and start the defence of the title against Australia on Tuesday.

 

They go into the game without the injured Karim Benzema, Christopher Nkunku, Presnel Kimpembe, N'Golo Kante and Paul Pogba.

 

"There's no apprehension. We have done everything possible," said Deschamps.

 

"There's no anxiety, everyone is calm and there are cool heads."

 

He added: "You think I can just click my fingers and someone can say, 'OK, I will be a leader, I will give pep talks and lead the squad to victory'? No, it's something that comes with time.

 

"Rome wasn't built in a day, it can't happen overnight, but we have what we need. We have enough players who are able to stimulate, get others going, talk in the dressing rooms, on the pitch, on the sidelines.

 

"But there are other types of leadership, it's not just about speaking. If it is speaking to blow hot air then it's not really worth it.

 

"It's important that each player is a leader in their position, then we'll see what they are made of on the pitch."

 

Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner, was ruled out after suffering a thigh injury during training with France and Deschamps has chosen not to call up a replacement.

 

"I've got 25 players in my squad. I'm convinced I have the efficient number of players to be able to deal with the challenges we face," said Deschamps about his decision.

 

"Before [in previous tournaments] we had 22, 23. Now it is 26 and we are at 25. There are lots of possibilities, lots of players on the bench and, therefore, I believe we have everything we need."

 

TEAM NEWS

France striker Olivier Giroud is set to lead the attack following Benzema's withdrawal, while defender Raphael Varane is expected to start for the first time since he suffered a hamstring injury in Manchester United's draw at Chelsea on 22 October.

 

Australia winger Martin Boyle was forced to withdraw on Sunday after failing to recover from a knee issue.

 

Defender Harry Souttar and playmaker Ajdin Hrustic will be assessed for the Socceroos.

 

--- Courtesy of BBC Sport

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