France 'full steam' despite Benzema's injury - Deschamps
Didier Deschamps has asked for 'more understanding' as France adjust to their latest injuries, but Les Bleus intend to go 'full steam' with the same goals as before.
>France were already without Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante for the World Cup and have now lost Christopher Nkunku and Karim Benzema on the eve of the tournament.
Reigning world champions Deschamps head into their opener against Australia with much of their roster in limbo, although the coach has 'no worries' about the physical form of Eduardo Camavinga and confirmed that Raphael Varane was fit to start.
Asked on Monday whether France should reconsider their approach to the final, Deschamps disagreed, although he asked the gathered media for their support.
"It's going full steam ahead with the team we have at our disposal," he said.
"Less ambition and less drive to get there? I don't think so. But if we could get more understanding from the media, if you could give us a little more slack, that would be great.
"But we know what we're being asked to do. We don't count our chickens before they're hatched, we know our three opponents ahead of us.
"We know Australia very well, but you didn't ask me about Australia. That's perfect."
Despite their struggles, Deschamps says France have "no apprehension" and "no anxiety", even with the last three World Cup holders out in the first round.
"This is based on stats, probabilities, facts, but I think each team has had their own journey to get to where they are today," he said.
>"It's up to us to have a team aware of the goal of the first game. We're not going to think about what could have been.
"What is important is to focus on the first game against Australia. Everything that happened before is now on the sidelines.
"There are analyzes that can be done, do what you want with them, but we will be ready for tomorrow."
In Benzema's absence, Kylian Mbappe is set to play an even bigger role, having played in France's success in Russia in 2018.
"[Mbappe] played an important role four years ago on the pitch," Deschamps said. "He was very mature then and is even more mature now because of what's happened over the past four years. There's been more global recognition, more accountability.
"Obviously he has what it takes to stand out from the crowd, to score; his aura is unmatched. That was the case four years ago, it still is today ."
According to captain Hugo Lloris, Mbappe is 'involved, relaxed, focused, focused'.
Lloris was also asked about the OneLove captain's armband - a campaign that promotes "inclusion and sends a message against all forms of discrimination".
The French skipper had already confirmed he would not wear the armband, and it emerged shortly after his press conference that other countries were pulling out of the campaign following the threat of FIFA sanctions.
"FIFA organizes this competition," said Lloris. "It is therefore up to FIFA to put in place a regulatory framework.
"As players, we are here to play football and represent our teams as best we can sportingly. I would prefer to stay in my box. I am a player and a competitor in this competition.
"Yes, many causes are important and should be supported. They are laudable. But it is up to FIFA to decide how the competition is organized."
Didier Deschamps has asked for 'more understanding' as France adjust to their latest injuries, but Les Bleus intend to go 'full steam' with the same goals as before.
>France were already without Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante for the World Cup and have now lost Christopher Nkunku and Karim Benzema on the eve of the tournament.
Reigning world champions Deschamps head into their opener against Australia with much of their roster in limbo, although the coach has 'no worries' about the physical form of Eduardo Camavinga and confirmed that Raphael Varane was fit to start.
Asked on Monday whether France should reconsider their approach to the final, Deschamps disagreed, although he asked the gathered media for their support.
"It's going full steam ahead with the team we have at our disposal," he said.
"Less ambition and less drive to get there? I don't think so. But if we could get more understanding from the media, if you could give us a little more slack, that would be great.
"But we know what we're being asked to do. We don't count our chickens before they're hatched, we know our three opponents ahead of us.
"We know Australia very well, but you didn't ask me about Australia. That's perfect."
Despite their struggles, Deschamps says France have "no apprehension" and "no anxiety", even with the last three World Cup holders out in the first round.
"This is based on stats, probabilities, facts, but I think each team has had their own journey to get to where they are today," he said.
>"It's up to us to have a team aware of the goal of the first game. We're not going to think about what could have been.
"What is important is to focus on the first game against Australia. Everything that happened before is now on the sidelines.
"There are analyzes that can be done, do what you want with them, but we will be ready for tomorrow."
In Benzema's absence, Kylian Mbappe is set to play an even bigger role, having played in France's success in Russia in 2018.
"[Mbappe] played an important role four years ago on the pitch," Deschamps said. "He was very mature then and is even more mature now because of what's happened over the past four years. There's been more global recognition, more accountability.
"Obviously he has what it takes to stand out from the crowd, to score; his aura is unmatched. That was the case four years ago, it still is today ."
According to captain Hugo Lloris, Mbappe is 'involved, relaxed, focused, focused'.
Lloris was also asked about the OneLove captain's armband - a campaign that promotes "inclusion and sends a message against all forms of discrimination".
The French skipper had already confirmed he would not wear the armband, and it emerged shortly after his press conference that other countries were pulling out of the campaign following the threat of FIFA sanctions.
"FIFA organizes this competition," said Lloris. "It is therefore up to FIFA to put in place a regulatory framework.
"As players, we are here to play football and represent our teams as best we can sportingly. I would prefer to stay in my box. I am a player and a competitor in this competition.
"Yes, many causes are important and should be supported. They are laudable. But it is up to FIFA to decide how the competition is organized."
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