Didier Deschamps and Antoine Griezmann addressed the press at different times ahead of Ireland's Euro 2024 qualifier in Paris on Thursday night, but both coach and player were in agreement that the last meeting between the teams proved very complicating for the star-studded France side.
Deschamps' side left Dublin with all three points following a very slender 1-0 victory at the Aviva Stadium in March, but had to work hard for the win.
France had to rely on an uncharacteristic Josh Cullen error, a brilliant Benjamin Pavard strike and a world class save by inexperienced international keeper Mike Maignan to maintain their winning start to the campaign, following a comprehensive and comfortable victory over the Dutch days before.
"It’s always complicated against Ireland," said Deschamps, when asked what his side needed to change to ensure an easier night at the office against the Irish on Thursday night.
Deschamps went on to commend the actions of his goalkeeper, who has only recently taken over from Hugo Lloris as the national team’s number one, for making that incredible save in the dying moments to allow them to escape with all three points.
"It was a very complicated game in Dublin," added Griezmann. "We had to suffer a lot at the back, so it was a really narrow escape for us to win the game.
"If we have control of the ball more in this game, I don’t think we will suffer in the same way and we hope to do that."
Deschamps was asked his thoughts on Evan Ferguson being ruled out of the game, and said that he had been impressed by his play for his club and would no doubt be a big loss for his opponents tomorrow night.
"I think he is a very good player, and that’s a loss for the team of Ireland not to have such an important player," said Deschamps.
"He has shown really good qualities with his own club. I know he has made fewer appearances with his national team, but with his club he is a very good player.
"I know that he has so many qualities as an attacking player. I know he is going to be a very efficient player, maybe he is going to get even better in the future."
Kylian Mbappe was not present at the press conference with Griezmann taking on the role of senior player, however, Deschamps was quick to confirm that the Paris Saint-Germain striker would be captain for the night.
"I don't know what you're waiting for," responded the manager when asked about his absence from the press conference.
"There is no obligation to always have the captain there. It can be the vice-captain or a player who is supposed to be important on the game.
"If I refer to his last team press conference, I don't think he had many questions about the France team or the game that awaited us.
"I always put the collective interest first. If the individual interest goes in the direction of the collective, I discuss. I hope it went well with Antoine, even if you still manage to ask questions about Kylian," he said smiling.
"Kylian is doing very well, he has resumed with his club, training and playing matches.
"He is very good physically and morally, he is there with his status and his role as captain to make sure we get the result we want. Will he captain against Ireland? Yes, it's clear."
Deschamps was not willing to reveal any other selection choices, though, as he said he has a decision to make in the absence of Ibrahima Konate in the centre of defence.
And when asked about the change of venue, with the game moved from the Stade de France to Parc des Princes, as a result of the Rugby World Cup, Deschamps said that it should not affect their ability to take all three points.
"France is more used to being at the Stade de France but it is with pleasure that we will be at the Parc des Princes," he said.
"The objective remains to win, if we can score several times, that would be good. The three points are important for qualification."
Watch France v Republic of Ireland in Euro 2024 qualifying on Thursday from 7pm live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app or listen to live commentary on 2fm's Game On
