Fresh off Paris Saint-Germain’s historic Champions League triumph, France manager Didier Deschamps is confident his star players can swiftly switch focus as Les Bleus prepare to face Spain in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals in Stuttgart.

Saturday’s emphatic 5-0 final win over Inter Milan saw several French internationals lift the Champions League trophy—Warren Zaire-Emery, Bradley Barcola, Desire Doué, Lucas Hernandez, and Ousmane Dembele all played their part in PSG’s first European crown.

On the opposing side were Marcus Thuram and Benjamin Pavard, whose Inter side endured a heavy defeat. With little recovery time, Deschamps is backing all his players—winners and runners-up alike—to rise to the occasion.

“They are here, so I am counting on them,” Deschamps said. “I found them very happy on Monday evening, of course, with a certain fatigue as well… Now, we need to quickly get back up because the match is close.”

Dembele for Ballon d’Or?

The standout name among the PSG contingent has been Ousmane Dembele, who was named Champions League Player of the Season. His sensational performances have catapulted him into Ballon d’Or contention, with Deschamps throwing his full support behind the electric winger.

“Of course I am for Ousmane, since he is French and with the season he is celebrating,” Deschamps declared.
“If I have to choose, I tell you Ous, one hundred percent.”

 

With Spain’s teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal also in the running, the Nations League clash could prove pivotal in shaping the Ballon d’Or conversation.