Didier Deschamps has rejoined the French national squad ahead of their World Cup last-32 encounter with Sweden in New Jersey today, having travelled back to Europe following the death of his mother.
The 56-year-old received news of his mother’s passing on 23 June, one day after Les Bleus secured their progression from the group stage with a victory over Iraq.
Assistant coach Guy Stephan took charge for Friday’s 4-1 triumph against Norway while Deschamps attended the funeral.
“I’m here. I’m good, and it’s good to be busy since Friday evening when I arrived back in the United States,” Deschamps said through a translator on Monday.
France boss Didier Deschamps has returned to the national team after his mother’s funeral
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Deschamps, who is stepping down from his role after this tournament, acknowledged the difficulty of the situation but emphasised the importance of remaining focused on football.
“For me, it was very difficult. And for me and for the French national team, it was important that I left. They did what they had to do,” he explained.
“And now we’re preparing a competition within the competition.”
The 56-year-old wore the captain’s armband when France lifted the World Cup on home soil in 1998 before guiding them to glory as manager two decades later in Russia.
He assumed the managerial position in 2012 and announced his retirement in January.
Midfielder Adrien Rabiot spoke of the squad’s desire to support their manager through this painful period.
France are one of the favourites to win the World Cup this summer
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“It was somewhat of a shock,” the 31-year-old said through a translator.
“He completely trusted in us and we delivered in the best way possible. We’re happy that he’s back.”
Rabiot observed that Deschamps had returned with a fierce determination to advance as far as possible in the competition, suggesting the tournament could help him process his grief.
“He smiled a lot. He tried to be enthusiastic, although I know that he’s very affected by his grief. I think he’s trying not to show it, not to transmit any negative to the squad.”
Reserve striker Marcus Thuram will be unavailable for the Sweden fixture due to muscular complaints, though Deschamps played down concerns over the injury.
“Marcus is not there. He has a few muscular problems, nothing serious,” the coach confirmed.
Centre-back William Saliba has recovered sufficiently from back troubles to feature, with Deschamps noting he is close to full fitness.
France became the first team to win all three group matches since their triumphant 1998 campaign, joining Argentina and Mexico as the only sides with perfect records.
Victory over Sweden would set up a round of 16 clash against either Germany or Paraguay.
