Deschamps: "We will try to limit Messi's influence"

MADRID, 15 Dic. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The France coach, Didier Deschamps, congratulated his players for achieving the second consecutive World Cup final, with "quality, experience and mentality" after the 2-0 defeat of Morocco in the semifinals, already thinking about how to stop Leo Messi and Argentina in the final on Sunday in Qatar 2022.

"It is always a great pride to achieve the goal. This was the last step to access the final on Sunday. It was not easy but with a combination of quality, experience and mentality, we achieved it. As a coach, my satisfaction is above all for the group of players who are here. I don't think especially about myself, it's mainly for them," he said at a press conference.

The French coach explained the casualties of Dayot Upamecano and Adrien Rabiot this Wednesday. "Upamecano was not at 100%, he had a fever, that's why he didn't start the game. It had been a difficult three days since the last game. Rabiot was a little better this afternoon but not enough, we didn't take any chances, but since there are four days to go the final should be available on Sunday," he said.

Deschamps, who did not answer the question of whether he will call Karim Benzema for the final, referred to the fight for the title against an Argentina that they eliminated in the round of 16 in Russia 2018. "Messi has shone since the start of the competition. There are differences. Four years ago I imagined his position, but here he has a lot of freedom", he pointed out about the Argentine '10'.

The French coach confessed that they will try to minimize PSG's, just as Argentina will try to do with the important players in France. "He touches a lot of the ball, he is really very strong. We will make sure to limit his influence as much as possible, as they will try to do with some of our players," he said.

In addition, Deschamps explained the entry of a Randal Kolo Muani who made it 2-0 with the first ball he touched, after some good play by Mbappé. "He knew that he had the ability to run and he is a good example for all the other players who have not been used but who can be decisive at some point. The bench is important," he finished.