Deschamps: Georgia comes first, then Spain

Didier Deschamps has warned his players not to think about Spain ahead of their World Cup 2014 qualifier against Georgia on Friday.

France, who sit second in Group I behind Spain, will take on Georgia on March 22 and the table-toppers just four days later.

And Deschamps is worried his players may be distracted by the prospect of facing Vicente Del Bosque’s side, rather than focusing on the task at hand.

“We must focus our energy on the Georgia game to win. Though Spain is in their minds,” the 44-year-old told reporters at a press conference.

He then praised Georgia for their defending against Spain, and gave an outlook on the tactical approach he intends to take going into the fixture.

“Georgia have offensive qualities. They also defended very well against Spain. We could face the same situation,” he added.

“Georgia will come to defend well. We’ll have to find opportunities to score. We’ll try to have a team which takes control of the ball and creates problems. This is where we work.”

Deschamps ruled out Mathieu Debuchy for the encounter, and praised Paul Pogba upon his first call-up to the national side, as well as Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.

“Debuchy has a lesion in the thigh, he is out,” he confirmed.

“Pogba must find his place in the group. I trust him. He represents the future, and the future is today.

“Benzema is happy to be here, he’s attached to the France team. He’s a driving force.”