Didier Deschamps gave Sir Alex Ferguson's book to France squad for motivation



In a bid to become only the second manager to take France to World Cup glory, Didier Deschamps gave each player in his squad a copy of Sir Alex Ferguson’s autobiography and Phil Jackson’s ‘Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success’.

Deschamps hoped that the reflections of Jackson, an 11-time winner of the NBA Championship, and the former Manchester United boss would inspire his French squad.

Having sailed through the group stages, topping Group E with seven points, France will now face Nigeria in the last 16 and look likely to go a long way in Brazil this summer.

VIDEO Scroll down to watch Highlights of Sir Alex Ferguson's autobiography



Read all about it: Sir Alex Ferguson's book was given to the French World Cup squad by Didier Deschamps Applaud: Deschamps claps the traveling hordes of French fans after the goalless draw with Ecuador Meeting of minds: Ferguson (left) meets Deschamps as Marseille manager back in 2011

Les Bleus left-back, Patrice Evra, is the only player from the French squad mentioned in Ferguson’s autobiography. On signing his future captain from Monaco in January 2006, the Scot called Evra a ‘stellar acquisition.’

The 72-year-old wrote, ‘When we first saw Evra, he was playing as a wing-back, but he had the speed and was young enough to switch to full-back in our system.



'We knew plenty about his attacking capabilities. He was quick, had superb technique and a strong personality. Very strong.’

Notably, Paul Pogba, who left Manchester United on a free transfer in July 2012, is not mentioned at all by Ferguson despite the success he gone on to achieve since leaving Old Trafford.



United they stand: Patrice Evra is the only France player mentioned in Ferguson's autobiography Outcast: United reject Paul Pogba is not mentioned in Ferguson's book after leaving Old Trafford

The 21-year-old midfielder has spoken out about his time in Manchester, claiming that he felt ‘disgusted’ when Ferguson elected to play Rafael in midfield, ahead of him, for a league game against Blackburn Rovers in 2011.