World Cup 2026: Mbappé-Dembélé relationship, changes, storm risk... Didier Deschamps' answers before France-Iraq

France coach Didier Deschamps is prioritizing victory and qualification in the upcoming World Cup match against Iraq, signaling potential lineup changes to achieve this goal. He addressed concerns about player cohesion, particularly the relationship between Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, stressing that team chemistry involves more than just a few individuals.

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You talk about three players, but others need to be connected. It's not a story of three players, but of four and also the midfielders. I changed against Senegal because they were closing down the inside and that left little room for the central players. All the players here are intelligent and capable of adapting, but they have reflexes from their clubs. If we had a lot of time to repeat, it would be better. There will be a starting position, but the attackers have the freedom to be less predictable.

Deschamps explained that tactical decisions, such as changes made against Senegal, are based on opponent strategies. He highlighted the need for players to adapt their club reflexes to the national team's system, noting that while players are intelligent, more time for repetition would be beneficial. He also touched upon the management of players like Tchouaméni, stating that decisions are made with the collective objective and the upcoming match against Norway in mind, acknowledging that not all players can start every game.

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The priority is to go for victory and qualification in this match. I may need to make changes.

The coach reflected on the team's performance against Senegal, emphasizing the importance of scoring goals and putting opponents under pressure, an area he believes requires further work. He defended Dembélé's performance, noting that the player, like others, needs to adjust to different tactical roles within the team. Deschamps also addressed Dembélé's physical condition, acknowledging past injuries but expressing confidence in his ability to improve.

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You are on his back. There is a bone to gnaw on. Ousmane had a difficult first half, like the French team, against what Senegal offered. And because we had technical waste. Ousmane plays in his club, initially as a center forward, but he moves. He has no one in front of him. That's not the case here. It's like others from PSG who play in a midfield of three, low point. These are adjustments to be made.