France head coach Didier Deschamps has demanded more attacking clinicality from his players ahead of the 2018 world champions’ high-profile FIFA World Cup quarter-final match against Morocco on Thursday. 

Despite France on 14 goals so far, being the joint-top scorers in the tournament, Deschamps said his team must deliver more goals, citing several clean chances they missed. 

“We’re very efficient, but we could have been even more so. The further we go in the competition, the more important that becomes. To have 100 per cent efficiency that would certainly be ideal,” the 57-year-old told reporters on Wednesday. 

Asked about the importance of not needing to play extra time in the knockout round so far unlike Morocco, which needed a penalty shootout to beat the Netherlands in their round of 32 match, Deschamps noted that it is crucial for his team to be in good shape. 

“In a competition like this, it’s important to be in good physical shape. The data we collect after our matches is good, very good even. We didn’t have much time to prepare before the World Cup and even less so with those involved in the Champions League.

“So I tailor each training session to the physical condition of each player and I don’t mind at all if someone misses one or two sessions if it means he’s in better shape by the third day,” the former Marseille coach said. 

Meanwhile, speaking at the pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Morocco’s Brahim Diaz stated that the 2022 semifinalists were ready for the pressure against France. 

“I always take responsibility. I thrive on pressure. These are the matches every player wants to be involved in and I’m ready. I feel confident ahead of tomorrow’s game and I know we’ll give it our best shot,” the Real Madrid forward stated. 

Thursday’s encounter would be a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semifinal tie between the two countries in which France scored 2-0 to reach the final of the tournament.

Speaking further, Diaz acknowledged the strength of the French side but stressed that the Atlas Lions were prepared to win the match. 

“They’re extraordinary players and wonderful people. However, we’ll be opponents and we all want to win. That’s all that matters. I have faith in my team and I know we’re going to put in a great performance,” he added.