Paul Pogba insists France must put their World Cup heroics behind them and focus on securing top spot in Group H for next summer’s European Championships.
France, who beat Croatia to be crowned world champions last year, will open their qualifying campaign against Moldova.
Didier Deschamps’ side have played six times since lifting the World Cup, finishing second to Holland in their Nations League group.
But their fixture in Chisinau on Friday night is France’s first leading to a major competition since their triumph in Russia.
“After such a title, it’s difficult to recover emotionally and mentally,” Pogba said on the France Football Federation’s official website.
“But it’s our job to stay professional and we want to qualify and get the first place
“The coach has always kept his serious side. Like us, he has celebrated the title, but he still wants to win and helps us to move forward.”
France will be the favourites to top a group which also includes Iceland, who they host at the Stade de France on Monday, Turkey, Albania and Andorra.
Moldova meanwhile, are ranked 170th in the world, and aside from two victories against San Marino in the Nations League, have not won a competitive match since 2013. Pogba however, says France must not take the minnows lightly.
“The Moldovans have nothing to lose,” added the Manchester United midfielder. “They will play against the world champions and will be keen to show themselves.
“If some think it is won in advance, just look at the statistics. In their last eight home games, they have never lost by more than two goals.
“We will have to stay focused and serious and go out there to win without thinking it is already won.”
Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman is back in the France squad for the first time in 18 months.
Coman played in France’s Euro 2016 final defeat against Portugal before a number of injury problems contributed to him missing last summer’s World Cup .
“Everyone will be motivated to win again but for that, we must first qualify,” he said.
“I did not have the chance to win the World Cup, and I do not have an international title after losing in 2016, so I am even more hungry. We all want to win as many titles as possible.”
