'It's always complicated against Ireland' - Didier Deschamps

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,"