Belgium vs France, World Cup 2018: Didier Deschamps brands Thierry Henry 'the enemy' ahead of semi-final
France manager Didier Deschamps has told national hero Thierry Henry that he will be the “enemy” of the county during the World Cup semi-final against Belgium.
Deschamps played alongside Henry in the team that won the 1998 World Cup as hosts 20 years ago.
But the two will be rivals on Tuesday night, with Henry currently working as assistant to Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez.
And Deschamps has said there will be no love lost between the pair.
“When you go to a club abroad and play one from your own country, you are part of the enemy team,” Deschamps said.
“This time it is much higher. He is on the bench and facing his home nation.
“But he did know that from the time he became an assistant to Martinez. That can happen.
“I'm pleased for him, he's somebody I appreciate. We played as team-mates. He jumped on the right train — he did a lot of great things after, for club and the national team.
“It is a difficult situation. It is not easy for him.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments