Manchester City star Rayan Cherki was spotted in an awkward moment with France boss Didier Deschamps after their victory over Sweden in the World Cup
Rayan Cherki of France
Rayan Cherki was named on the bench for France's win over Sweden(Image: Jose Hernandez/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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Manchester City star Rayan Cherki was seen seemingly ignoring France head coach Didier Deschamps in what looked an awkward exchange following their latest World Cup victory.
France secured a 3-0 triumph over Sweden in the round of 32 fixture in North America to confirm their spot in the last-16 phase of the tournament, where they'll meet Paraguay on Saturday.
Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe netted twice, while Bradley Barcola also found the back of the net as France cruised through comfortably.
Cherki was selected on the substitutes' bench by Deschamps and came on in the 85th minute, where he took over from Mbappe for the final moments of the match in New Jersey.
Following the final whistle, footage has surfaced of Cherki walking across the pitch and being approached by Deschamps.
Yet, the Manchester City star seemed not to immediately recognise the France boss, before ultimately offering his manager a fleeting greeting.
Cherki then paused to adjust his socks, while Deschamps carried on attempting to chat with the City playmaker.
Cherki will now be hoping to secure additional playing time when France take on Paraguay in the last 16, with the fixture scheduled for Saturday night (10pm BST) in Philadelphia.
Deschamps praised the unity that the France squad possesses after the win over Sweden, with the head coach having recently travelled back to France following the death of his mother before rejoining the players.
"The squad was united. They did what was needed while I was away, and it was better that I wasn't there, both for them and for me," Deschamps said.
"But once I returned, they knew I was with them, and that's a very good thing.
"A team's mindset doesn't win matches on its own, but I know all too well that it can make you lose them."
He added: "We'd seen the other knockout matches. It's tough for everyone. It was less of a struggle for us because we executed our game plan very well, but we've only just reached the round of 16," the Les Bleus coach added.
"We know what awaits us in four days. We'll have to repeat this performance against an opponent with different qualities, though obviously, the French team has very talented players. And when they play with that kind of mindset and focus, it's excellent."