France Boss Deschamps Criticises New Jersey Turf

France coach Didier Deschamps has said the turf at New Jersey Stadium is really tough on players' muscles.

He observed that the pitch was significantly different from the standards his players are accustomed to in Europe and would require an adjustment period.

France began their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Senegal, but the condition of the pitch at New Jersey venue — which will also host the World Cup final on July 19 — became a point of discussion.

"It's different. We have to get used to it. The fact that there's a concrete slab underneath means the grass fibres are very short. The bounce is different and the pitch changes depending on how it's watered,"* Deschamps said ahead of their second Group Stage match.

"Some players had already played here during the Club World Cup. If there isn't enough depth of soil, it's different. Since we don't train on it, it's complicated. I warned the players, but it's very different from what they're used to," he added.