'They have the right to make mistakes' – Deschamps has full confidence in France squad

Didier Deschamps explained he always allows his players "the right to make mistakes", ahead of France's 2026 World Cup qualifier with Ukraine on Friday. 

Les Bleus kick off their bid to make the 48-team tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States next summer as they travel to Wroclaw, before hosting Iceland next Tuesday in Paris. 

Starting their qualification campaign late due to their participation in the latter stages of the Nations League, France will be looking to improve on their recent record, having only won three of their last six. 

Deschamps, who is due to stand down from the position after next year's tournament, led the country to their second World Cup triumph in 2018, but has faced criticism after failing to win any of the three major international competitions since, despite reaching the 2022 World Cup final.

"I always allow the players the right to make mistakes, I warn them," Deschamps said, speaking to Ouest-France.

"What's important for me is to know, beyond who the players are, the human aspect, their character, their personality, and their sensitivity. They have different interests, musical tastes too."

Asked about the expiration of his contract, Deschamps said: "At some point, we get fed up with your face, it's French. I feel like I'm saying goodbye. The last year, yes.

"After the criticism, there has always been some. Everyone can have different opinions, I never look back. I could have done things differently, yes.

"Would it have gone better? I have choices, responsibilities. The truth today won't be the same in a month."