New France boss Didier Deschamps was full of praise for his players ahead of their friendly against Uruguay on Wednesday, particularly some of those who have not represented the senior side before.
The 43-year-old, who took over from Laurent Blanc as head of the national team following their poor performance at Euro 2012, has quickly introduced a number of fresh faces to the squad, with some set to make their international debuts.
At a press conference on Monday, Deschamps spoke of how impressed he is with his squad, what it feels like to return to the France set-up in a coaching role, and also what he expects of his players in the coming years.
"Talent has no age. Experience is not acquired overnight, it must be built up over a period of matches," the ex-Olympique de Marseille boss told reporters.
"Raphael Varane is young and plays for a very big club [Real Madrid], where he is confronted with top quality players. However, the one negative thing is his reduced playing time last season. We hope that he will play more this season as he has demonstrated great maturity.
"Etienne [Capoue] also has a lot of potential. The match against Uruguay is an opportunity [for him] to discover what it feels like and what is necessary to play for Les Bleus."
Deschamps also outlined how he wishes his team to set themselves up in games: "We will rely on a solid defensive base, it is very important. We cannot build victories on a construction site, we must have a powerful defensive duo."
When asked about the spirit of the players he replied: "I feel that the players are happy to be here. This is something that is very important to our success.
"We are not living in the past anymore, our adventure started yesterday. There is rivalry between players but that is natural. Some will play more than others, but everyone is happy to be here. They have shown that both on and off the pitch."
In the wake of Samir Nasri and Jeremey Menez's suspension following Euro 2012, he also stressed that he expects good behaviour from those he calls up to the national team.
"There must be exemplary conduct shown by the team. The image that they convey can carry a lot of influence over others.
"I don't have the power to clone one single image to create a group of identical footballers, but this squad know what is right, and allowed, and what is not allowed."
On the style of coaching he wished to instil, he said: "It is important for any coach to define a framework, with a set of principles that the players understand.
"My principles? Respect, humility and pleasure."
Deschamps also mentioned how happy he was to be part of the France set-up once again, having represented his country 103 times as a player.
"I have the same pleasure and the same pride to be here part of the squad again. The colours remain the same. My attachment to the France team will always remain, although I come back in a different role that is more complicated than that of a player, but I feel very privileged."
France play Uruguay on August 15 in Le Havre.
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