The French national team coach Didier Deschamps got first hand experience of playing the eventual World Cup winners in Brazil this summer, he spoke to DFB.de about the victorious Germans and whether or not he'd like to coach in the Bundesliga.
Talking to the official website of the German national side, Deschamps began to speak about the 1-0 quarter-final defeat, "There wasn’t much in it," he said, before going onto praise Joachim Löw's side. "We faced the best team in the tournament – they were the most experienced. Since 2006, Germany have been in the final or semis of every major tournament."
The former-Marseille man was under no illusion what the strengths of that side were, both on the day and throughout the tournament, "They scored early on and we couldn’t find a way past Manuel Neuer. We needed a little bit more energy and prowess in front of goal that day."
While Neuer was on form, Deschamps thought that the greatest weapon they possessed was a strong team effort, "Their unity [was their biggest strength]! They’ve played together for years and are hugely experienced. They also had fantastic individual players – veterans who knew the game well and youngsters with plenty of energy and technique."
The 46-year-old couldn't critique the eventual champions, admitting that they were worthy winners, "Of course, they were the best team in the tournament, without a doubt!" It was the fourth triumph for die Nationalmannschaft, with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Argentina securing the prestigious trophy.
It wouldn't be fair to reflect on the World Cup without looking back on the infamous 7-1 win over Brazil, "Brazil were overwhelmed," commented Deschamps. "The game was too much for their weakened side. They couldn’t find any rhythm or sharpness. Once they went 5-0 down after half an hour they disappeared. There was no sign of an antidote for the Seleção. It was an historic victory for Germany."
"I’m yet to have the chance!" Was the response from Deschamps in regards to managing in Germany, though he's been with his fair share of Germans at club level, "I have got to know a lot of German players in my time. I played with Rudi Völler at Olympique Marseille and we won the Champions League together.
"He was a top striker but also a great guy – a fighter, but funny and a great laugh. He was an important part of our team. I also played with Karlheinz Förster and Klaus Allofs at Marseille."
Despite not having the chance, it's something he does want to do at some point, "Of course [in regards to managing in Germany], but I would need to learn German first. It would be impossible if I couldn’t speak the language. Coaches need to be able to communicate with their players. Pep Guardiola had to learn German for example. Communication is crucial."
Quotes and credit to DFB.de