Deschamps deploys field bodyguards to protect Mbappé from aggressive Paraguay
France manager Didier Deschamps revealed he instructed his physically strongest players to shield Kylian Mbappé from aggressive Paraguayan challenges in the final minutes of their World Cup Round of 16 clash.
France head coach Didier Deschamps admitted he took extraordinary measures to protect captain Kylian Mbappé during Les Bleus’ fiery 1-0 World Cup victory over Paraguay.
Fearing late, malicious challenges from the highly aggressive South American side, Deschamps ordered his physically strongest bench players onto the pitch specifically to escort and shield the forward before the final whistle blew.
Deschamps justified the unusual tactic by drawing parallels to the 2018 World Cup, recalling how he had to substitute a young Mbappé against Uruguay to prevent serious injury.
Criticizing the refereeing and Paraguay’s rough approach, the French manager emphasized that preserving his premier strategic asset remains the absolute priority heading into the tournament’s quarterfinal rounds.
