Deschamps keyed up for France's big moment

France's 47-year-old coach has been doing his best not to talk about his successes as a player at the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA EURO 2000 as he prepares a new generation to sparkle on home soil at UEFA EURO 2016.

UEFA.com: With no competitive games since the 2014 World Cup finals, has it been hard to keep your players motivated?

Didier Deschamps: No, it hasn't. We play every match to win, even when it's a friendly. We've had prestigious matches against the top sides in Europe; we know it's no substitute for competitive football, but that's what finals hosts have to face for two years. It's about setting different targets. It allows you greater freedom. You don't have to worry too much about results, which is why I decided to experiment with some players as well as our formation. When the result really matters, you tend to stick to what you know. Without that, our preparation has been a bit different. It's been more of a trial period. It's good. We've been able to learn.

UEFA.com: You captained France to glory in two major tournaments. Does that help you when it comes to preparing your side for UEFA EURO 2016?

Deschamps: That is my story from when I was younger. The players know about it, but I never talk about it in front of them. It was a useful experience for me and has helped in my coaching career, but I don't live in the past. I have to adapt to the current situation. The similarity is that we are the hosts as we were in 1984 and 1998. It's not necessarily an advantage, but in the team I played in, it was a driving force. Expectations were high, as was the adrenaline. When you represent your country, nothing beats a big international tournament like a EURO or World Cup. We were lucky enough to win both. It was fabulous. It was a privilege for my team-mates and me.

UEFA.com: Has much changed since you went from being a player to coaching?

Deschamps: Things have changed, but that is not just football. There are changes from generation to generation. You have to adapt. This generation have certain qualities, but they have defects too, just like we did. The important thing is that regardless of the individual talent available, all efforts go towards the team. Some players play a lot, others less so, others not at all. You have to ensure they all feel valued, which is part of my role with my staff.

UEFA.com: Antoine Griezmann received his first international call-up in 2014; what does he bring to the team?

Deschamps: He broke through just before the World Cup in Brazil and performed very well out there. He changed clubs and is a very effective player at the moment. He has matured and now has more experience. He's a skilful player with a good feel for the game. He adapts to every situation. He's intelligent and effective. He's one of the most important players in my squad.