DOHA, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- France coach Didier Deschamps said on Saturday that he felt relaxed ahead of Sunday's World Cup final against Argentina.
"I don't have any particular worries or stress about the game. When you prepare for a game like this you need to keep your focus, remain composed, but, of course, in a World Cup final especially, you have the match and the whole context behind that," Deschamps told a pre-game press conference on Saturday.
The 54-year-old has the chance to lead France to consecutive World Cup titles, but has yet to reveal whether he will continue as coach after the tournament.
"To be the France manager has been the most wonderful thing that has happened to me in my career. I am still as passionate about the role as I ever have been," said Deschamps, who insisted he was "not the most important person here, it is all about the team."
He also said his future "won't depend on tomorrow's result. I'm not even thinking about the future at the moment."
The coach was also asked about the virus which has affected the France camp, leaving several players unable to train on Friday, but again he was evasive.
"I am absolutely fine," replied Deschamps. "As for the players, I left the camp quite early this morning so they were all still asleep. I haven't had any recent updates."
"We are trying to manage this situation as well as we can and remain calm and focused. I'll get some more information today and I'll think about that tonight, and even tomorrow. We're looking forward to this important game," he insisted.
The France coach was also asked about the fact that Argentina seem to be the preferred choice for many neutral fans, who want to see Lionel Messi cap his career by winning the World Cup.
"I know Argentina and many people around the world, and maybe some French people as well, would hope that Lionel Messi could win the World Cup, but we're going to do everything to achieve our objective," Deschamps replied, adding that France's win over Argentina in the last 16 four years ago meant nothing on Sunday.
"I think seven players were present in 2018 in their squad. It is not the same team at all so there is no point comparing. It was a round of 16 match and the players were totally different. The teams, style and game plan was different."
"Our experience will help us. We have been observing and analyzing Argentina's games and we've had some precise information but of course they could line up differently tomorrow. There is nothing to stop them doing that. We could too," commented Deschamps. ■
