Sweden will play France in a world cup qualifiers match and Didier Deschamps believes they lack the bite without Zlatan Ibrahimovic in their ranks.
The veteran striker ended his 15-year international career with Sweden following their elimination from the Euro 2016 with just one point from all three games.
Sweden have started life without the Manchester United striker, getting seven points from three games, with all of their five goals scored by five different players.
However, Deschamps is confident France can handle Sweden as they appear depleted in the absence of their enigmatic former leader.
“Sweden are different,” he told a news conference.
“We know the importance he has in all the teams he plays for, including Sweden where he was very effective. He changes their game.
“When you have a player like Zlatan, the team plays for him. At times, he receives balls that he should not receive. Even if they have a good collective, they always rely on him.
“There are other players, other attackers who are there, they have quality. But on paper, in fact, I think Sweden with Zlatan are more competitive.”
After Friday’s encounter, Les Bleus will take on Ivory Coast in a friendly on Tuesday, while Sweden will take on Hungary.
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