France's Didier Deschamps returns from family tragedy and makes World Cup request

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France boss Didier Deschamps is back in the U.S., having briefly returned home after his mother's death -Credit:ANP, ANP via Getty Images


Didier Deschamps has called on the France national team to "generate danger" and keep leveraging its attacking prowess at the FIFA World Cup, after returning to the team following compassionate leave.

Deschamps was compelled to fly home after France's second World Cup group game, following the heartbreaking news of his mother's death. France defeated Norway 4-1 in his absence, with Deschamps rejoining the squad on Friday.

FIFA controversially prevented France from wearing black armbands in tribute to Deschamps, but the national team honored him with a commanding victory. France will now kick off its knockout phase against Sweden, with Deschamps delivering a straightforward yet crucial message to his squad, via The Mirror US.

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France finished as joint-top scorer during the group phase, tying with the Netherlands and Germany on 10 goals across three matches. Of those teams, only France remains standing, and Deschamps wants his side to fully capitalize on its attacking firepower.

With Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Desire Doue, and Bradley Barcola among the attacking arsenal, plus numerous options available from the bench, France was understandably among the tournament favorites.

"We've been labeled as favorites before and, after what we did in the last three matches, that hasn't gone away," Deschamps said ahead of Tuesday's Round of 32 game. "But it's back to square one now. We're preparing for a competition within the competition.

"We have to face a team who have nothing to lose and can give us some problems. We are confident, not overconfident, but in terms of intentions we will look to continue what we managed in the group."

Deschamps also believes that 10 goals were fewer than France should have achieved, and despite only conceding two, chances were still created. "We scored 10 goals in the group stage and we could have scored more," Deschamps added.

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"We did concede too many goalscoring opportunities too and I imagine some will wonder: can we manage like this? But we did so four years ago and other teams are doing the same.

"When we have the ball we don't have a problem, when we don't have possession we're going to have to be efficient. But we have a capacity to generate danger, which is a strength, and I want us to keep it."

France has also received a boost ahead of its match against Sweden, as Paraguay stunned Germany to progress to the Round of 16. Should France defeat Sweden, they will meet the Paraguayans in the next round.

Deschamps continues to manage through a period of mourning, but admitted he's content with his "busy" role at the World Cup, as it's helped distract him. According to France midfielder Adrien Rabiot, it's helped bring the squad closer.

"He came back with willpower to go as far as possible," he said. "We are united, we know what he's going through, and we will try to give him something to rejoice over, it's the least we can do."

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