BOSTON, United States, June 25 (Xinhua) -- France midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni said on Thursday that the team wants to make head coach Didier Deschamps proud in its final World Cup group match against Norway, after the coach flew home following the death of his mother.
"First of all, on behalf of the whole France team, the whole France family, we wanted to once again offer our condolences to the coach, to all his family and those close to him. This is a difficult time for everyone, for the coach of course, but also for us," he said.
"We've tried to make things as normal as possible. But we know the situation is not normal. Still, he has given us a mission. And our main goal now is to make him as proud as possible," Tchouameni added.
Deschamps left the team camp on Tuesday and will attend the funeral on Friday before returning to the United States. In his absence, longtime assistant coach Guy Stephan is in charge on the touchline.
"We're certain that Guy will follow in the same line as what the coach is asking us to do," Tchouameni said. "We're going to keep sticking to our own playing principles. We're sure that tomorrow we'll put everything in place to win this match."
Tchouameni also praised star forward Kylian Mbappe and warned that any lapse in concentration could be costly.
"Kylian has always been exceptionally strong. Throughout his career, he's always had key moments, especially on big occasions. That's what makes him so special. And he's still proving it at this World Cup," he said.
"We know we'll be up against a very strong team tomorrow, but we'll be ready for that battle."
Assistant coach Stephan said the match against Norway is not decisive but remains important.
"We happen to be in a cruel situation, for Didier and his family. So we have to step up, we have to handle this third match, an important match - not decisive, but important, because a lot of points can follow from it," he said.
"First of all, the main thing is that we've qualified. It doesn't happen very often that you've got six points after two matches," he said. "After that, Didier obviously wants to finish top, like the whole group. Why? Because in terms of logistics, it's completely different. The journey times to get to the different host cities are much longer," he added.
France and Norway are level on six points after two wins from two matches, meaning both have already qualified. France will advance as group winner with a draw thanks to its superior goal difference. ■
