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Coach Deschamps demands attacking approach as France face Sweden
30th June, 2026 06:38 PM
France coach Didier Deschamps has insisted his side will remain committed to its offensive style when it faces Sweden in the Wednesday, July 1, 2026, FIFA World Cup 2026 round-of-32 encounter.
The French coach pointed to his team’s impressive scoring record during the group stage, saying there is no reason to change an approach that has already produced plenty of goals.
“We scored 10 goals in the group stage and we could have scored more. We have a capacity for danger, and I want us to keep it,” said Deschamps, who recently returned to the squad after travelling to France to attend his mother’s funeral.
Deschamps hails Mbappe
Deschamps also reserved special praise for captain Kylian Mbappe, highlighting not only his goalscoring ability but also his commitment to the team and his influence as a leader.
“Kylian defends. He knows how to defend. Perhaps not as much as the others, but he scores more goals than the others too,” Deschamps said. “Yes, he’s on a mission, but I’ve been telling you that since day one. The physical work we’ve had to do isn’t really for strikers. He was the first to lead by example.”
He continued by emphasising Mbappe’s qualities beyond his performances in front of goal.
“Beyond Kylian’s quality and his ability to score goals, he fully embraces his role as captain. The image people might have of him from the outside doesn’t always – or very often – match who he really is,” he added.
Looking ahead to the Sweden clash, Deschamps warned against taking the Scandinavian side lightly, especially because of the quality in its attack.
“They’re a good team. Take the front three, for example. For the clubs that signed them, it was a very significant investment,” he said. “They’re very good players, as they play for top clubs.”
Speaking about his return to the French camp after his family bereavement, Deschamps admitted that getting back to work with the national team had provided welcome focus during a difficult period.
“As far as I’m concerned, I’m fine – I’m here,” he said. “It’s been good to keep my mind occupied since Friday evening when I arrived. I’ve resumed my duties, and everything went well for France and the coaching staff throughout this third match. As for me, it was obviously very tough. For my own sake and for the sake of France, I had to leave. They did the right thing. We’re now preparing for the second phase of the tournament, which is about to begin.”
Squad affected
France midfielder Adrien Rabiot revealed that the squad was deeply affected when Deschamps informed them of his mother’s passing.
“It’s true that it was quite difficult when he told us about his mum’s death and that he had to leave us. Obviously, it came as a shock,” Rabiot said. “Of course, he had complete faith in us. I think we did the job as well as we possibly could.”
The midfielder added that the team was delighted to welcome the coach back and hoped football would help him through the difficult time.
“We’re glad to have him back. I don’t think it’s easy having to grieve under those circumstances. That’s football for you. The World Cup just happened to be on at that time. I think he’s come back keen to do well, to go as far as possible in the tournament. It’s something that will help him take his mind off it all a bit, which will do him good,” he added.
