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Robert Maaskant and Hedwiges Maduro discussed the emotional situation within the French camp on the sportnieuws.nl podcast.
“Family always comes first, period,” stated coach and former footballer Maaskant emphatically, addressing Didier Deschamps' absence from France's final Group I match against Norway. “Players won't be thrown off even if the coach isn't with the team, right? On the contrary, I think they'll want to show even greater support for the coach and go the extra mile,” he added.
According to former Dutch international Maduro, this situation could even unite the team further: “I agree with Robert's (Maaskant's, editor's note) words. If the coach is very popular among the players, and I get that feeling with France and Deschamps, it can be an additional boost. Players might think: 'The coach is going through a tough time, so let's try to become world champions for him.'”
The Example of Luis Enrique
The former Dutch international referenced Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique in this context. His daughter passed away in August 2019 at the age of nine from bone cancer.
“Back then, you constantly saw it in the coaching staff, players, and even the fans. They truly felt they would do it all together for him, so it can certainly have a strengthening effect,” Maduro concluded.
More on the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
- Full Schedule
- Complete Results
- Standings
- 2026 FIFA World Cup News
- FIFA World Cup TV Schedule
- Team Kits
- Stadiums
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