Being the second best scorer in the history of the Blues (48) does not therefore offer any special status, nor does it allow you to benefit from any preferential treatment. Without saying it so obviously, this is a bit of what Didier Deschamps sent as a message, this Wednesday at the end of the afternoon, during the press conference given at the Stade de France. On the eve of the League of Nations match against Austria, the coach of the Blues, questioned about the case of Olivier Giroud, was quite firm towards the AC Milan striker who was ready , according to him, to play the linings in the France team.
“I don’t know what he’s telling you and ultimately it doesn’t interest me,” Deschamps began when discussing the Giroud case. What interests me are the exchanges and discussions that I can have with him. After the players express themselves… I have always known how it works. And it’s valid for us, I’m going to get into it. Between saying and doing, there is a course… which is not impossible. I’m not saying it’s not possible. But it will be part of my thoughts in the near future. »
In other words, Deschamps does not seem, two months before the start of the World Cup in Qatar, still not convinced that his striker will be satisfied with a substitute role, behind the Benzema – Mbappé doublet. Does this mean that the Milan striker still has to prove himself despite his 112 selections?
“I will have choices to make”
“He doesn’t have to convince me,” continued Deschamps. He knows what I think. I will not reopen the debate in relation to the statutes. This is not specific to Olivier Giroud. There are several players, since I’ve been there, that I haven’t taken on because of that. Even if it did not have as much media resonance. Olivier’s objective is there, he will have playing time. Afterwards, we will have to continue to do everything to be efficient. As always, for him as for others, there is obviously competition and I will have choices to make. »
Called in March 2022, Giroud had not been summoned in June. On RTL, he reaffirmed, this Thursday, that he was ready to do anything to help the French team, highlighting his state of mind: “Even being on the bench, I always shot in the direction of the team. I have never put the souk in a locker room, so that too is an important notion to take into account”.