Deschamps on critics’ claim on France friendlies having no value

Didier Deschamps

, the

head coach, has stressed that the friendly games against

and

are very important.

France will lock horns with Ivory Coast’s Elephants at Stade Orange Velodrome in Marseille on Friday, before taking on Bafana Bafana at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille next week Tuesday.

The world champions named some high-profile players like Hugo Lloris, Raphael Varane, N'Golo Kante, Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappe in the team for the two matches.

Critics have hit out at the two games against the African sides, saying that they are not of value for Les Bleus, but the coach has dismissed the 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 prefer to be in my place, qualified for the World Cup with two friendly matches on the programme than that of my Italian or Portuguese counterparts who will face each other in the play-off."

France have got the World Cup finals’ qualification already and it is going to be hosted by Qatar this year as they dominated their group, winning five games and drawing three from eight matches.

"Do not trivialise an international gathering. The pleasure of meeting up is there because the players have chained matches with disappointments and moments of happiness,"

the retired defensive midfielder continued.

"We haven't been together for four months: it's the return of the French team. Next, I am realistic. Many players are there, had very important matches before and will have very important ones after."

"We are going to play in Lille, the stadium is full and in Marseille, the stadium will be."

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