“We have to be ready and perform” – Didier Deschamps on World Cup quarter-final clash with Morocco | OneFootball

After seeing the highs and lows of the World Cup final on back-to-back occasions, Didier Deschamps will be eager to bow out from his time in charge of the French national team in style in New Jersey next weekend, but first they must overcome Morocco in Boston.

Winner of the coveted trophy both as a player and a manager, Deschamps knows all about the highs and lows of World Cup football, and after a tough battle against Paraguay, France face an even bigger test as they take on the AFCON champions in a repeat of the 2022 World Cup semi-final. Deschamps knows that this Moroccan side are much stronger than when they last came up against the French, and he was sure not to underestimate his opponents.

“Morocco’s profile is not the one of Paraguay. ‌We met them four years ago in the semi-finals,” Deschamps said.

“They played the AFCON (Africa Cup of Nations) final. They have top individuals. They are not here to play. They are here to win. We have to be ready, perform and deliver against this great team.”

Goals have come relatively easily for this France team, a side that has ample world-class attackers in their ranks. The likes of Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, Désiré Doué and Ryan Cherki have all played their part, but Deschamps is still asking for more from his players.

”We have to be efficient, offensively speaking,” ‌Deschamps said in his pre-match press conference. “In all the areas, both teams have strong assets.”

“We are efficient, but we could have done better on this front. Sometimes you ‌have six chances and score two goals, and sometimes you have two chances ‌and score twice. It is more important to be efficient.”

Always a pragmatist, Deschamps seems to have taken the handbrake off his side in this tournament, much to the relief and fanfare of the French media.

The ability to do so has been found at the base of the French midfield, where Adrian Rabiot and Aurelien Tchouameni have provided the defensive resolve to truly attack.

That has hit a snag recently after Tchouameni missed their match against Paraguay with a thigh injury, and there has been plenty of speculation surrounding him featuring in this one. As usual, Deschamps kept his cards close to his chest.

“He feels better, but I left early from the hotel this morning. I cannot say more. He might take part in training today. All other players are available,” Deschamps said.

Should things go south for France on Thursday, it would be Deschamps’ final game as manager of his country. It’ll be an emotional scene, but for Deschamps, it’s nothing to think about, even if he was prodded by a Moroccan journalist about it in his press conference.

”It’s nice of you to think about that because I’m not thinking about it at all,” he said. “The match against Paraguay could have been my last as well. I’m focused on this Moroccan team and, together with my coaching staff, our aim is to do everything we can to make sure things go well.

“This means winning and reaching the semi-finals.”

A true winner, Deschamps knows the battle that’s awaiting his side and is making no excuses for what requires lifting the most prestigious trophy in world football. To do it for the second time in three tournaments would be almost unprecedented.

”The higher you climb the mountain, the greater the challenge becomes. As I said before, Moroccans aren’t here by accident. They’re among the very best teams in this tournament.

“It will be a clash between two nations who want the ball, look to attack and score goals.”

It is gearing up to be potentially an all-time World Cup classic with both sides famous for their firepower and willingness to attack. With a date against either Spain or Belgium awaiting the victors.

France’s quarter-final meeting with Morocco kicks off at 21:00 (BST) in Boston, with live coverage on BBC One, ITV, ITVX, and STV Player.

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