Deschamps: The First Match is Always Important, and We're Facing One of the Best Teams in the World

France, the 2018 World Cup champions, kick off their campaign in the current tournament against Senegal. The match is scheduled for Tuesday evening at 10:00 PM Bulgarian time (3:00 PM local time) in New Jersey. This encounter holds special significance due to the many shared connections between French and Senegalese footballers. Here's what "Les Bleus" coach Didier Deschamps had to say during his media briefing:

Expectations for the Match
This match is very important because it's the first one. But it's not decisive. Ideally, we want to start with a win. That's the goal.

On Opponent Senegal
Considering what Senegal achieved at the last Africa Cup of Nations (champions – editor's note), they are a very high-level opponent. They are one of the best African and global teams. They have everything in terms of quality – players who play in the biggest clubs, a strong midfield, athletic power, and technical prowess. We know what to expect, and so do they. This will be a very high-level clash.

Revenge for the 2002 Loss to Senegal?
It's not about revenge; that was 24 years ago. It's part of history, but most of my players weren't even born in 2002. Now, a new chapter needs to be written. We will do everything possible for the result to be in our favor this time. Senegal is a very good team with excellent players. I don't like to compare different eras. Those players in 2002 achieved a great victory, but even now, we will face players with immense quality. We will do our best to play well in this first match. We know what to expect, and so do they. This will be a true clash of forces. Everyone prepares to win this match. We will have to manage the emotional intensity and significance of the game. The best option is to be both focused and calm. Our ideas are clear, and we will do everything possible for the outcome to be positive.

On Hydration Breaks
During these breaks, we have the opportunity to make some adjustments with the players within three minutes. This gives us two additional chances to talk. It also breaks the rhythm of the halves, so we have to adapt. We used this in our preparatory matches as well. In practice, we have four quarters. We are adapting.

Who is the Favorite for the Trophy?
If there's one favorite, it's Spain, although France quite rightly has the ambition to win the trophy. But the road will be long. We have enormous potential, even though we are in the process of rejuvenating the squad. I won't say that the French national team is stronger than the others, but the big favorite is Spain. I have no doubt about that.

On Dembélé's Strong Form
It's true that Ousmane (Dembélé) started his national team career early, but he also went through many injuries. His performance with PSG and the possibility of winning the "Ballon d'Or" put him in the spotlight. He is extremely focused, eager to be a very good and decisive player, as he often is for his club, even though physical problems have caused him to miss many games. We gave him time to experience the Champions League triumph. Of course, Ousmane at his highest level will be a great asset for us.

Why Isn't Mbappé at the Press Conference?
Kylian is a global star, including here in the United States. He manages that himself. My main goal is to protect my players. This morning I saw three of them. We have two-hour journeys ahead of us. I want to protect N'Golo Kanté (who was at the press conference) as well, even though I know he wakes up very early. In these high temperatures, I try to protect my players. Kylian is adored worldwide. His popularity is global, and he lives with that, but it doesn't prevent him from being a natural leader in the group and carrying the responsibility of captain.