Deschamps says he sent bodyguards to protect Mbappe and was insulted by Paraguay bench

Didier Deschamps had to use all of his experience against Paraguay.

France beat the South American side 1-0 in the World Cup last 32, but it was their toughest and nastiest challenge yet.

The match got tetchy and often violent, with Paraguay trying to goad match-winner Kylian Mbappe.

Mbappe ignored it mostly, until full time when he let out an almighty yelp.

Deschamps reveals Mbappe tactic

Deschamps then revealed he sent over players to protect the captain as there is a chance of red cards even after the final whistle.

He said: “I remember in 2018 against Uruguay I had to take him off because they were going to take him down.

“I asked the two strongest players on the bench to go and protect him immediately at the end because you never know, the match isn’t quite over.

“I don’t want to lose any players.”

He added: “Paraguay plays with every possible tactic.

“It might not be the football itself that draws people to the stadium, but there’s the aggression, it adds to the tension… We didn’t let our guard down.

“It’s difficult because they’re so compact, they know how to defend well. Obviously, the temperature works against the intensity, and even without that intensity, they defended well. It’s a significant step forward.”

Deschamps abused by Paraguay bench

Deschamps then went on to explain his own troubles on the touchline.

He revealed he was abused by the opposition bench, although he didn’t comment on claims he was goaded about the death of his mother during the tournament – claims Paraguay have denied.

“As I told the players, up until now we’ve been taking it easy, it’s not so bad to have gone through this,” he explained.

“After that, I’m not going to criticise the referee: we finished the match with three yellow cards, well… I had prepared the players and fortunately, they were expecting this.

“I’m not going to criticise Paraguay either, everyone plays as they want, even if I could have done without the insults from the opposing bench.

“The important thing at the end of the match is ‘no trouble, no cards, no players lost.’

“They’re a team that completely disrupted Germany’s game, and there can sometimes be a feeling of injustice. But ultimately, it’s just talk, because we’ve qualified.”

Mbappe gave a fiery interview post-match, saying France had to get their hands dirty.

Deschamps played down the tension around his captain.

“Kylian hasn’t changed,” he said. “You’re making him out to be a dictator…”

Addressing the journalist, he continued: “Not you, I don’t want to attack you. There’s already been enough aggression today.

“From the first day he arrived with us, he’s had this mindset. And when he speaks, he speaks on behalf of the group.

“He also passes on the grievances of the players around him, which aren’t necessarily his own.

“To take good care of others, you can’t have any problems with yourself, and I speak from experience, I was a captain. And if there’s one player who doesn’t have any problems with himself, it’s him. “