Head coach Didier Deschamps and Yohan Cabaye showed up at the press conference of the French national football team. Captain Hugo Lloris was to attend the press conference but according to the press attaché, Lloris got tired in traffic jams of Rio de Janeiro and that is why he did not come. By the way, Cabaye will not play against Ecuador due to disqualification and Morgan Schneiderlin will replace him.
At first Cabaye answered questions of journalists. He expressed hope that he will be able to play in “Maracana” later. The Frenchman noted he is very happy by going through the next round. He praised Schneiderlin. According to Cabaye, Morgan is a very technical player and plays well both in offence and defense. He believes Schneiderlin is ready to play. The Frenchman mentioned his role in the national team. When he has a ball he must start offence.
According to Deschamps, France will play like in the previous two matches. He wants to take only the first place in the group.
The coach noted the team went through tough period to get at World Cup but the football players are very proud by playing for the national team.
Deschamps stated they think only about victory, despite having 6 points. According to Deschamps, he respects the Ecuadorian national team:
“Ecuador plays with 4-4-2 system. Antonio Valencia who is very quick is on the right. Montero is on the left. Enner Valencia and Caicedo are in offence. They can cause a lot of problems to the opponents”.
The Frenchman was asked about success of the South American teams and the Brazilian national team. According to Deschamps, the South American teams do not have problems with acclimatization and fans support is also a very important factor. He stated Brazil had a psychological pressure in the first matches but four goals against Cameroon proved that Brazil is one of the favorites of the tournament. Deschamps stated the following about Italy: “Prandelli worked hard and the Italians started the tournament well but finally, they could not make through to the next round”.


Lasha Tabagari, special correspondent of worldsport.ge from Rio de Janeiro
Photos by the author