NEW YORK - France's World Cup semi-final run has been powered by star goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele. Yet the team credits a crucial, unseen factor for their success: private player-only conversations away from coaching staff.
Players hold their own analysis sessions in hotel rooms, taking collective ownership beyond tactical instructions from coach Didier Deschamps.
"We communicate a lot and talk among ourselves regularly," midfielder Adrien Rabiot told reporters. "What the staff bring us is essential, but the dialogue between the players, without the staff being involved, is important as well."
Defender Jules Kounde emphasized this cohesion translates directly to the pitch. He noted their defensive strength begins with a collective press from forwards, making the defenders' job easier.
The players describe a deep harmony built over time, which carries onto the field. This unity provides additional motivation as they seek to win the tournament for Deschamps in his final competition as coach.