Beijing time (CEST), July 1st, FIFA World Cup Round of 16, France 3-0 Sweden. Following the match, France national team head coach Didier Deschamps attended a press conference.

Below is the first part of the press conference.

France absolutely dominated Sweden tonight. Do you realize you are now coaching a true "war machine"?

Deschamps: We did what we had to do, although we were a bit cautious in the first 15 minutes. But after that, we showed our ability to continuously create chances. The only slight regret is that we didn't capitalize on more opportunities in the first half. If we'd been more clinical, the match could have been decided in the first half. However, we made our opponents work hard, so in the second half, they were clearly much more tired.

I want to congratulate the players for doing everything they needed to do, because matches like this are never easy. We also watched some of the other Round of 16 matches, and it's been difficult for all teams. The reason we had a relatively easier time is because we performed well in all aspects. But we've only just entered the Round of 16. Reaching the Round of 16 is certainly good, but there's still much to come.

So we need to maintain this confidence. In four days, we know what awaits us. We need to perform like we did today; our next opponent will have different characteristics.

Of course, France has very, very good players, and when they can maintain the same intensity and concentration as today, everything will work very well.

France always scores many goals, and now you're barely conceding. I imagine there are no injuries either; you'll tell us about that later. Now everyone in France, including the media, is excited. So the question is, what could possibly stop you?

Deschamps: No, we don't think like that. There will always be things to improve, even when it seems there aren't any. For me, I don't see problems. Of course, there's always room for improvement. Today, aside from the first 15 to 20 minutes when our passing wasn't great and we weren't fully into the game—the pitch condition also didn't help with ball movement—if you want to find problems, go ahead and look (laughs). That's fine too; don't make everything seem so perfect and beautiful. We won't get too carried away because of this.

Of course, we should enjoy this moment. Although it may seem natural and an obvious result, we still need to appreciate it. Then we need 48 hours to recover. Because in four days, we have to play again. We know that in four days, Japan will be waiting for us, and they have completely different characteristics. But first, we need to take time to enjoy this victory, and then prepare to repeat today's performance again.

I felt the clearest impression from the stands was that the players were playing with great joy. Everyone could sense they were truly enjoying the match. After all, this is the FIFA World Cup stage. Have you ever experienced a team that could display such joy, either as a player or as a coach? What's your take on this?

Deschamps: The teams I've managed have always brought joy to others and have also played with great joy. Because I've been fortunate enough to win many matches. Of course, I'm joking. I can imagine what it feels like out there, and I really enjoy watching them play like this. It's been this way since training began. Even though training is just training, as long as the players can build a very good relationship with football, everything becomes much easier.

Of course, it's never easy facing opponents with a tight defense and a deep block. But today, we found the solution. Moreover, when effort is needed—for example, after losing the ball—everyone contributes to the defensive effort, including the forwards. That's very good. So of course, I'm satisfied. I'm proud of this. The next step is to maintain and repeat this performance.

You usually don't like evaluating individual players, but did Olise's performance tonight impress you?

Deschamps: Olise continues to perform at a very, very high level. After a great season, he's maintaining this form. With the national team, he initially needed time to adapt and find his place. Now, his impact on the team is very significant.

At the same time, this is also due to the growing understanding between him and the other attacking players. As matches are played one after another, everyone gains more reference points and has built stronger cooperation and understanding. Indeed, when Olise gets the ball, many things often happen. He's also a key playmaker in attack. Moreover, he plays a role in linking defense and attack, and connecting midfield and the front line. Furthermore, he often provides crucial support for the team's midfield defense.

Do you feel the team continues to improve? So, what other aspects still need to be improved?

Deschamps: There are always things that can be improved. Moreover, we must continue to raise our standards because the opponents we face will get stronger. They'll attack better and defend better. This is the FIFA World Cup, where the world's best teams gather. We have improved in some areas where we were previously a bit lacking. Although those issues haven't caused serious consequences—we've only conceded two goals so far—we still give our opponents too many chances.

Of course, Maignan is there, and his performance has also been outstanding. However, the next steps involve more detailed adjustments, like positioning. These players are also relatively comfortable playing together; they communicate well. This also allows us to do some things that only happen in club matches. After all, at clubs, everyone trains together every day and plays every three or four days. And now, we're gradually building this understanding too, even though our history playing together isn't that long. So, this is actually very good.

When you talk about Mbappé, you say he's a different type of player. Is Olise also one of those players?

Deschamps: Yes, yes. He's one of those players. In fact, he's been that type of player for a long time. Both his performance at Bayern Munich and everything he's shown with the national team now prove this. He's one of those players. Just like Dembélé, and many other players like that. And they're all French. That's great. Moreover, Olise's personality is somewhat reserved, but he's also very sensitive. Most importantly, he doesn't bring this reserved nature onto the pitch. In fact, on the pitch, he has plenty of personality. Furthermore, the attacking players have built a very strong connection. It's not just good interpersonal relationships—of course, good interpersonal relationships are clearly better, because I've also experienced periods when that wasn't always the case. What's more important is that they display the same football language. As long as that's there, everything will move in the right direction.

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