Deschamps' France welcomed to Paris after 'cruel' loss in World Cup final
Didier Deschamps thanked the fans after France returned to Paris after their "cruel" defeat in the World Cup final against Argentina on Sunday.
The Blues were looking to become the first team to retain the World Cup since Brazil in 1962, but were beaten 4-2 on penalties by Argentina after a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Kylian Mbappe's hat-trick helped France recover from 2-0 then 3-2, but Aurélien Tchoumeni and Kingsley Coman failed to convert in the shootout as Deschamps' men suffered a heartbreaking defeat.
Nevertheless, the team were greeted by massive crowds upon their return to Paris on Monday, and Deschamps expressed his gratitude for the support after such a crushing defeat.
"It is our duty with the players to thank all these French men and women who have supported us and given a lot of strength to this France group", he declared to TF1. "We shared fabulous emotions even if the end is cruel and hurtful.
“We must not forget all that this group has done in having a lot of difficulties before and during the World Cup. They experienced fabulous emotions during this month of competition.”
Captain Hugo Lloris has echoed his head coach's sentiments after failing to become the first man to lead his side to two World Cup trophies.
"After the pain of yesterday, [the reception is] a little comfort," said Lloris. "The most important thing is the recognition of the supporters, even if as an athlete we would have liked to have this gold medal and bring the cup back to France."
France now look to the 2024 European Championship in Germany, where they will be looking to win the tournament for the third time.
Lloris urged his team to maintain their strong Qatar mentality in their next competition, adding: "Despite what happened before and during the tournament, we showed resilience, we remained a group. it must continue for the Euro."
Striker Olivier Giroud, who overtook Thierry Henry as France's all-time top scorer in Qatar, added: "We're going to give each other a big hug and go on vacation to recharge our batteries, because he there is a season to end.
"It's always difficult to leave a group with which we spent a month and a half. We are like a family, like brothers."
Didier Deschamps thanked the fans after France returned to Paris after their "cruel" defeat in the World Cup final against Argentina on Sunday.
The Blues were looking to become the first team to retain the World Cup since Brazil in 1962, but were beaten 4-2 on penalties by Argentina after a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Kylian Mbappe's hat-trick helped France recover from 2-0 then 3-2, but Aurélien Tchoumeni and Kingsley Coman failed to convert in the shootout as Deschamps' men suffered a heartbreaking defeat.
Nevertheless, the team were greeted by massive crowds upon their return to Paris on Monday, and Deschamps expressed his gratitude for the support after such a crushing defeat.
"It is our duty with the players to thank all these French men and women who have supported us and given a lot of strength to this France group", he declared to TF1. "We shared fabulous emotions even if the end is cruel and hurtful.
“We must not forget all that this group has done in having a lot of difficulties before and during the World Cup. They experienced fabulous emotions during this month of competition.”
Captain Hugo Lloris has echoed his head coach's sentiments after failing to become the first man to lead his side to two World Cup trophies.
"After the pain of yesterday, [the reception is] a little comfort," said Lloris. "The most important thing is the recognition of the supporters, even if as an athlete we would have liked to have this gold medal and bring the cup back to France."
France now look to the 2024 European Championship in Germany, where they will be looking to win the tournament for the third time.
Lloris urged his team to maintain their strong Qatar mentality in their next competition, adding: "Despite what happened before and during the tournament, we showed resilience, we remained a group. it must continue for the Euro."
Striker Olivier Giroud, who overtook Thierry Henry as France's all-time top scorer in Qatar, added: "We're going to give each other a big hug and go on vacation to recharge our batteries, because he there is a season to end.
"It's always difficult to leave a group with which we spent a month and a half. We are like a family, like brothers."
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