Rio de Janiero: France coach Didier Deschamps looked perplexed, a crease growing bigger on his forehead as he listened to questions in English during his news conference previewing Sunday’s match against Honduras. Clearly irritated, one English reporter suggested Deschamps use the headphones that provide simultaneous translation.
“Didier, I’ll try not to sound like an angry Englishman here,” the reporter barked. “But given that Euro 2012 was marred by clashes with the media and the French team, might it be an idea to use the headphones and listen to international questions, so that you don’t offend the international media?”
Staring blankly ahead, Deschamps did not seem sure what he was being reproached for, although he understood the subject matter. He slid the headphones on, fidgeted with the button on the side, and then took them off again.
“I rest my case,” the exasperated English journalist said from the back of the room.
“Does he want me to put them on?” a confused Deschamps mumbled as he glanced across to the France team’s press officer.
