The former midfield enforce was part of the team that lost 2-1 to Bulgaria at the Parc des Princes in November 1993, a result that ended Les Bleus' hopes of securing a place at the 1994 World Cup under the stewardship of Gerard Houllier.
Deschamps would go on to captain France to World Cup glory on home soil in 1998, and they have qualified for each of the three tournaments since then - including 2006, when they finished runners-up to Italy.
However, the 45-year-old trainer admits he is still haunted by their failure 20 years ago and is focused on ensuring this current France side suffer similar heartbreak.
"It may have been 20 years ago but it still sticks in my mind," Deschamps confessed. "I don't want to experience that again.
"We're playing two games in five days with no points at stake. Our goal is crystal clear - to qualify for the World Cup."