Deschamps asks more of Monaco

Sullen Deschamps
Monaco had withstood attack after Betis attack before finding a foothold in the final half-hour - only for Edu to strike with just seconds to play. "That goal erased all our good work," a sullen Deschamps said after the 1-0 third qualifying round, first-leg loss.

'Big frustrations'
The 36-year-old retired from playing four years ago but has not totally adjusted to life on the bench. Looking on powerless from the touchline is not easy after 16 years in the thick of the action. "I see things differently now," Deschamps told uefa.com. "There are big frustrations because there's no more physical release. At the end of a match there is nervous tension. We're not players any more. We don't have the same perspective on the pitch. Coaches depend on their players."

'Serene environment'
Deschamps learned his trade from the likes of Raynald Denoueix, Coco Suaudeau, Raymond Goethals, Marcello Lippi and Aimé Jacquet, but has striven to put his own stamp on Monaco. "I was guided by their experience, but you have to keep your own personality, adapt, have a good spirit and create a calm environment in which to work."

'Important'
His methods bore fruit with a French League Cup win in 2003, his first trophy as a coach, then in 2004 when he led Monaco to the Champions League final. Not reaching the group stage this year would be a tremendous blow for a club accustomed to moving in Europe's higher circles. "The players know how important it is on both financial and sporting fronts," he said.

'First victory'
Deschamps won the competition's top club competition as a player with Olympique de Marseille in 1993 and Juventus FC three years later. He almost repeated the feat in 2001 with Valencia CF against FC Bayern München. "It was fabulous with Juventus, but that first victory for a French club like Marseille was important," he remembered.

'Madness'
"There was exuberance, madness, above all because we beat the big favourites, [AC] Milan. The worst moment was the Valencia final. I was on the bench and we lost on penalties. I knew it was the last match of my career," he added. "Finals are only beautiful if you win them."

Unmatched success
Deschamps knows a bit about that, having won almost everything going at club and national-team level. As a player he lifted more trophies than any other Frenchman; as a coach he channels his energy into transmitting his will to win to his charges.

French talent
Monaco's torrid start to the season has not been easy to stomach. "Did we already have our minds on Seville?" Deschamps asked after Saturday's 1-0 defeat at FC Girondins de Bordeaux, Monaco's second in four Ligue 1 outings. "They certainly weren't on Bordeaux."

New signings
Deschamps focused on recruiting young French talent this summer, but it has taken time for the new signings to settle. Camel Meriem is perhaps the most exciting newcomer and much is expected of the 25-year-old playmaker, who has been given the No21 shirt, the number Zinedine Zidane wore at Juventus. "If he follows in his footsteps he will have a good future," said Deschamps. So too will Monaco. But with Betis in town, there is no time like the present.