Deschamps says France arrives at the final without major concerns.
French coach says he is not afraid of support from the Argentinian fans in the stadium.
Brazil Agency – France's coach, former player Didier Deschamps, said in a press conference this Saturday (17) that he arrives at the Qatar Cup final against Argentina without major concerns, but with the clear objective of winning the title. The teams will face each other, starting at 12:00 pm (Brasília time) next Sunday (18) at Lusail Stadium.
“I have no worries, no stress, the important thing in preparing for a game like this is to stay calm. Any final, even more so a World Cup final, includes the match, but also a particular context. The goal is to win another title, we will do everything to achieve what we want,” declared the coach, who also led France to the world title in 2018 in Russia.
However, Deschamps knows he will face an extra challenge in next Sunday's final: the support of passionate Argentine fans in the stadium (thousands of fans have arrived in Qatar in recent days to watch the match): “I am aware that this Argentine team has very strong popular support. Obviously, the stadium tomorrow will be mostly filled with Argentine fans. I expect a festive atmosphere; Argentinians are a passionate people, totally in favor of their team. It creates a festive, positive atmosphere; they sing a lot, they are very expressive. It's good to have this atmosphere for a match like this because it's a World Cup final, but our opponents aren't in the stands; the only ones we have will be on the field.”
Meanwhile, France's captain, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, spoke about the support the Argentine team has received from fans in other countries because of star player Lionel Messi, who will likely be making his final appearance for the Argentine national team: “We will do everything and give our all to emerge victorious from this final battle. We know what Leo Messi represents in the history of our sport, but above all, it will be a match between the French and Argentine national teams. There are very good opposing football players, with a real spirit. They are great competitors. It has all the makings of a great game.”