Deschamps turns to one-to-ones to keep France focused before Iraq test | OneFootball

Didier Deschamps has stepped up individual meetings to keep France sharp and to pre-empt frustration, with Iraq awaiting on Monday at 23:00 in the second group game of the World Cup.

According to L'Équipe, a 48-team tournament extended by one week has pushed the head coach to adapt his management. He had repeatedly stressed, publicly and privately before the competition, the need to handle egos and explain decisions to a generation that expects clarity.

An evening off on Wednesday, the day after the 3-1 win over Senegal, was an early sign of that shift. Lucas Digne described the move as unusual for the coach, welcomed the pause for families and said it brought a welcome breath of fresh air.

In recent days Deschamps has also held one-to-ones with several players. Digne, Manu Koné and Bradley Barcola spoke with him before what are seen as likely starts against Iraq, while lesser‑used squad members, including Rayan Cherki, also received tailored chats.

Managing senior figures is part of the brief too. Aurélien Tchouaméni, the vice-captain and not injured, is expected to be a substitute for this second match, a message that required careful communication.

Private exchanges are nothing new for Deschamps, but rarely with this scale so early in a tournament. The double world champion has chosen to spend more time with selected players to keep everyone engaged, and Digne praised an approachable staff whose door remains open.

Source: L'Équipe