It was a remark that created friction with the national team's coaching staff before the situation was subsequently resolved.
Manchester City ace Cherki, 22, made the comment in an interview with TF1 after scoring a stunning goal in France's 2-1 friendly defeat against Ivory Coast on Thursday evening. The former Olympique Lyonnais midfielder produced an individual piece of skill that drew comparisons with his most electric moments in Ligue 1, and spoke with equal flair when asked about the team's ambitions at the tournament.
"We won't go to the World Cup as favourites — we'll go to crush everyone."
The remark was enthusiastically received by much of the French public but caused concern within Deschamps's coaching staff, who are known to favour measured, careful public communication in the build-up to major tournaments. L'Équipe reported that Deschamps privately warned Cherki about the potential consequences of such statements — both in terms of the pressure they place on the squad and the motivation they hand to opponents.
The matter was quickly resolved, with those close to the squad describing the exchange as entirely benevolent and placing the comment in its proper context.
"There is absolutely no problem between Rayan and Didier Deschamps. It's an interview of ten minutes where Rayan expresses himself freely. And on one sentence he understands, with his own words, those of his generation, how to affirm the ambition of the French national team."
France begin their World Cup campaign in Group A alongside Uruguay, Switzerland and Serbia.