Lightning on the Horizon: Deschamps Hails Ekitike as France Ready for Azerbaijan
15 November 2025
Deschamps lauds Ekitike after Ukraine cameo
France head coach Didier Deschamps has praised Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike ahead of Sunday’s match with Azerbaijan, as Les Bleus close out Group D in European qualifying for the 2026 World Cup to be staged in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Speaking at a press conference in Baku on Saturday, the coach said Ekitike left a strong impression by coming on against Ukraine last time out, and that he is gaining important experience with the French squad, a trend Deschamps considers positive for the young striker.
Deschamps added that Ekitike’s introduction felt “thunderous,” echoing the moment he burst onto the scene against Ukraine, and that the player is upbeat and performing well in training.
Ekitike scored his first goal for France in a 4-0 victory over Ukraine at the Parc des Princes last Thursday.
Deschamps explained that multiple changes to the starting XI will be necessary against Azerbaijan, given the long journey and the three-day turnaround since the Ukraine game, with the aim of giving opportunities to several squad members.
He confirmed that Lucas Chevalier is among those who will be given a chance in goal, while stressing that all 22 players in camp are fit for the final training session and none are carrying severe issues.
“Our objective is simple: win. We are the French national team, and we must deliver a positive result,” Deschamps stated, underscoring the team’s responsibility to perform in every qualifier.
On the subject of the left-back position, Deschamps said Lucas Digne and Theo Hernandez have alternated since September; they share similar qualities but bring different strengths, and such competition benefits the squad in big campaigns.
Regarding Rayan Cherki, the coach remarked that the young talent remains the same player who can beat defenders, deliver precise passes, and find the back of the net, adapting to varied responsibilities for club and country.
Deschamps noted there is room for improvement compared with the last match against Ukraine, but emphasized that progress won’t happen overnight and Cherki, like others, must keep refining his understanding of certain collective and positional duties, which will be addressed in Sunday’s game.
The coach also touched on the perceived “left-back” alternatives and how the squad will balance roles as the campaign progresses.
France’s qualification bid looks secure after the 4-0 win over Ukraine, as they top Group 4 on 13 points, with Iceland behind on seven and Iceland’s goal difference ahead of Ukraine in third; Azerbaijan sit bottom with a single point.
Following the Ukraine win, star forward Kylian Mbappé left the France camp due to an ankle inflammation and returned to Real Madrid for treatment, while Manu Kone of Roma also departed after being suspended for accumulation of bookings.
France are aiming to reach a 17th World Cup appearance and maintain their run of eight consecutive finals appearances, including 2014, 2018, 2022 and the 2026 edition.
Deschamps, who has been in charge since 2012, hinted that he will step down after the World Cup, having captained an era in which France rose to the top with 112 wins in 174 matches and a slew of major trophies, including the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 Nations League, among others.
Two snappy notes to wrap it up: If patience is a virtue, then Deschamps must be a saint—he’s rotating like a magician with a full deck. And if rhythm and thunder aren’t enough, remember: in football as in weather, the forecast for Sunday is mostly goal chances with a chance of celebrations.
