Brazil should isolate World Cup squad: Deschamps

Porto Alegre (Brazil), June 7 (IANS)

France coach Didier Deschamps says Brazil should isolate their squad to avoid the suffocating pressure of hosting next year’s FIFA World Cup.

Speaking ahead of his team’s international friendly against Brazil at Arena do Gremio Sunday, Deschamps said the perceived luxury of playing at home could be detrimental to Luiz Felipe Scolari’s team.

“The advantage is relative because there is a lot of pressure,” said Deschamps, who was part of the France side that defeated Brazil 3-0 to win the 1998 World Cup final on home soil.

“In Brazil it is going to be even bigger. There is no secret formula for winning but I would isolate the team a little bit because there is going to be a lot of pressure from journalists and the public. The ideal solution would be to take them away from that.”

Deschamps added that Brazil’s direct qualification and subsequent lack of competitive matches could leave the team short of crucial match practice.

“But he (Scolari) is an experienced coach and without doubt he will manage to overcome the challenges,” he said.

The former Juventus and Chelsea midfielder admitted he often felt nostalgia when watching France play Brazil since his international career ended in 2000.

“I have fond memories of 1998 although I know that for Brazilian fans it isn’t the same,” the 44-year-old said with a smirk.