France coach Didier Deschamps says he is instilling a combat mentality in his players ahead of their World Cup play-off against the Ukraine.
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France play their first leg in Kiev on Friday before hosting the Ukrainians at the Stade de France on Tuesday next week.
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And even four days out from the first leg, Deschamps insists his players are already primed for action.
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"It's played on the pitch but it's the head that manages the legs," said the former Juventus and Monaco coach.
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"We're in a state of mind of 'challenge', of 'combat'.
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"There's no room for doubt, for uncertainty, for questioning."
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France reached the play-offs by finishing second to Spain in their group while Ukraine were edged out of top spot in their pool by England.
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Both sides found themselves in the play-offs four years ago as well, with France controversially ousting Republic of Ireland with a William Gallas goal that counted despite a double handball by Thierry Henry in the build-up.
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Ukraine were edged out by a single goal against Greece.
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According to Deschamps it is aggression that will make the difference in such a sudden-death, knock- out stage.
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"The players are competitors and we feed off that," he said.
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"We can't be nervous or worried. The top level is about aggressiveness and commitment".