France must kick on after World Cup success, says Coach Deschamps

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France coach Didier Deschamps says the world champions cannot afford any drop in standards as they prepare to launch their UEFA Nations League match against Germany on Thursday.

The French national football team (or Les Bleus in French) returns to action for the first time since lifting the World Cup trophy in Russia. They will take on embattled Germany coached by Joachim Loew at a sold-out Allianz Arena in Munich.

"I don't feel there's any letting up." Deschamps told reporters on Wednesday. "Quite the opposite, there's the happiness of being together and doing things together as usual, with the competition ahead of us against a quality opponent."

"We've prepared as seriously as possible." He added: "There's a cheerful atmosphere in the squad but that doesn't stop the players from doing what they need to during training sessions and playing with intensity."

Even though Germany failed to defend their World Cup title with a disastrous group-stage exit in Russia, Deschamps, whose side also face the Netherlands in their Nations League group, believes Germany are still capable of returning to their previous notorious form.

"They don't go from one of the World Cup favorites to an average side now, because the main core is still there. They're still a top team." he said.

France's defender Raphael Varane at a press conference before the UEFA Nations League match between Germany and France on September 5, 2018 in Munich, Germany. /VCG Photo

Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane will captain France in the absence of goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who along with Marseille's Steve Mandanda is sidelined with an injury.

The 25-year-old Varane, who will be making his 50th international appearance, said France must "keep the same values and the same ambitions" in the wake of their World Cup victory.

"It's not going to change our way of preparing for matches and how we get on as a group," said Varane.

"It gives us a particular status but I don't think this two-star jersey (in recognition of a second World Cup title) will weigh heavily on us.

"We know we're coming up against a formidable opponent but it's good for us to get back into the swing of things."

Germany's head coach Joachim Loew oversees the training session of the German national football team on September 5, one day ahead of the UEFA Nations League match between Germany and France in Munich, Germany. /VCG Photo

Germany's coach Loew has freshened up his squad with call-ups for Jonathan Tah, Thilo Kehrer, Leroy Sane, Kai Havertz and Nils Petersen. Also he has retained experienced players including goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, defenders Mats Hummels and Joshua Kimmich and forwards Thomas Muller and Marco Reus.

Source(s): AFP