France's secret weapon: the conversations nobody else hears

France's journey to the World Cup semi-finals is fueled by more than just the attacking prowess of Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. Players believe a crucial element of their success stems from private conversations and analyses conducted away from the cameras and coaching staff, fostering a deep sense of unity.

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We communicate a lot and talk among ourselves regularly. At the hotel, during our downtime, we try to analyse matches together in small groups. That is important, beyond everything the coach and his staff provide.

Didier Deschamps' side is set to face Spain, aiming for a third consecutive World Cup final. Midfielder Adrien Rabiot and defender Jules Koundé emphasized that the team's cohesion extends far beyond tactical meetings and training sessions. The players engage in analyzing matches together in small groups, challenging each other and taking responsibility for finding solutions independently.

"We communicate a lot and talk among ourselves regularly," Rabiot stated. "At the hotel, during our downtime, we try to analyse matches together in small groups. That is important, beyond everything the coach and his staff provide. We all speak the same language, we all have the same objective and everyone is directing their energy towards it. What the staff bring us is essential, but the dialogue between the players, without the staff being involved, is important as well."

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We all speak the same language, we all have the same objective and everyone is directing their energy towards it. What the staff bring us is essential, but the dialogue between the players, without the staff being involved, is important as well.

This sense of ownership has enabled France to combine one of the tournament's most potent attacks with a collective defensive effort that starts with the forwards. While Mbappé and Dembélé have been prolific scorers, Koundé noted that France's work without the ball has been as vital as their individual quality in possession. "We have done a good job defensively, but it goes well beyond the defenders. It is a collective effort, starting with the way we press from the opposition’s very first pass. When the work is done properly higher up the pitch and in midfield, it makes our job at the back much easier."

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We have done a good job defensively, but it goes well beyond the defenders. It is a collective effort, starting with the way we press from the opposition’s very first pass.

The players insist that their on-pitch performance is a reflection of the strong relationships built off the pitch. "We get on very well," Rabiot said. "There is a real sense of harmony and genuine cohesion. It is difficult to explain, but things work extremely well away from the pitch, and that energy carries over onto it." Koundé described a group that enjoys playing together and making sacrifices for one another, highlighting a continuity built over time and a shared objective that strengthens their on-pitch chemistry.

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We get on very well. There is a real sense of harmony and genuine cohesion. It is difficult to explain, but things work extremely well away from the pitch, and that energy carries over onto it.