Deschamps not taking Japan lightly

Didier Deschamps has warned France there is no such thing as an easy match and hopes his side take their Japan friendly seriously on Friday.

Les Bleus have picked up maximum points from their opening two World Cup qualifying games in Group I, but are obliged to play the Samurai Blue just four days before encountering the world and European champions Spain.

Nonetheless, Deschamps believes it is important to preserve their momentous run going into the international break and impress against a Japan team brimming with ‘quality and experience’.

“The objective is always the same: to achieve the best possible result before Tuesday’s game against Spain,” he said.

“A friendly must be taken seriously. I do not want us to discard this match. The best way to prepare for Spain is to do things right on Friday.

“Japan have a lot of quality and experience. Some of my players may be given more playing time than in previous selections. I can also deduce more information about my team.

“Some (players) have been very busy these past few weeks. I must allocate playing time for this friendly match accordingly.”

The 1998 World Cup-winning captain has also been enthused by recent progress made by goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who has featured more regularly for new club Tottenham, and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Clement Chantome.

“Between the last selection and today (Monday), Hugo has played three games,” he said.

“In the future, if he plays more, it’ll be even better.”

About Chantome he added: “This is a player who has been given a large amount of game time. He is a good footballer and is able to use the ball well – even if we don’t talk much about him because of the strong competition at PSG.

“He had a small problem some time ago, but he is now playing regularly. He is a fairly complete midfielder and is in good form. This will give him the opportunity to discover what it’s like to play for France.”