French head coach Didier Deschamps has insisted that their future friendly matches against South Africa and Côte d’Ivoire are worthwhile.
The world champions are set to face Ivory Coast elephants at the Orange Velodrome Stadium in Marseille on Friday against Bafana Bafana at the Pierre-Mauroy Stadium in Lille next week on Tuesday.
Nicknames Le Bleus, France included high profile players such as Hugo Lloris, Raphael Varane, N’Golo Kante, Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappe in their squad for both games.
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There have been critics who have beaten the two matches against the African sides, suggesting they have little value for Les Bleus, but Deschamps rejected that suggestion.
“Some of you will say that these matches have no value, but it is better to win them, otherwise they will increase in value,” Deschamps said during a press conference according to Sport 365.
“I would rather be in my place, qualify for the World Cup with two friendly matches on the program than that of my Italian or Portuguese colleagues, who will face each other in the play-offs.”
Les Bleus have already qualified for the World Cup finals, which will be hosted by Qatar later this year after dominating their qualifying group – recording five wins and three draws from eight matches.
“Do not trivialize an international meeting. The joy of meeting is there because the players have chained matches with disappointments and moments of happiness,” the retired defensive midfielder continued.
“We have not been together for four months: it is the return of the French team. Next I am realistic. Many players are there, had very important matches before and will have very important after that.”
“We play in Lille, the stadium is full and in Marseille the stadium will be.”
France seek revenge for their 2-1 defeat against Bafana in the 2010 Fifa World Cup final in Bloemfontein.
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