France's Deschamps looks ahead to 'emotional' friendly vs. England
France manager Didier Deschamps chose to limit his words in his first press conference since the Paris attacks, thanking England for its support ahead of Tuesday's friendly while admitting it "will be an emotional occasion," according to Rob Bagchi from the Telegram.
The exhibition match is going ahead as planned following the tragic events of the bombings and shootings in the French capital that left 129 people dead and hundreds injured.
Deschamps didn't speak about the decision to play or directly reference the terrorists responsible for the attacks, but said his side will play "with even more pride than we normally would."
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The explosions outside Stade de France during the first half of Friday's friendly against Germany could be heard inside the stadium, Deschamps added, but "we were so focused on the game we didn't realise what it was."
The 47-year-old also revealed the French players and staff stayed behind with the German national team in the bowels of the stadium in Saint Denis.
"I chatted with (Germany manager) Jogi Low and we stayed there with them until we found a security solution that was acceptable to them," said Deschamps. "We left very late, tried to eat and sleep back at Clairefontaine, but I won't lie it was a very short night."
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Apart from offering his thoughts and prayers to the victims, the former Marseille man limited his overall message, choosing instead to focus on the friendly at Wembley, which featured France's motto on the facade.
Officials are encouraging everyone in attendance Tuesday to join in the singing of the French national anthem, La Marseillaise, followed by a minute of silence.
"I would like to thank the English people for their solidarity," Deschamps said. "We've received it from around the world, too. The match will be an emotional occasion. We are going to show how proud we are to be French."
Deschamps was particularly moved by Lassana Diarra, whose cousin was among the dead. He travelled to London with the rest of the squad, along with Antoine Griezmann, whose sister escaped the hostage situation at a Paris concert hall.
"Lass is hurting to the bone over a person who is very close to him," the manager said. "Lass wanted to stay with us and to hold onto those values of unity and solidarity. His presence with us is reassuring."