Smiling and relaxed, Didier Deschamps was delighted to meet the press this Thursday for the gathering of the Blues, the first in four months and the qualification of the Blues for the World Cup. For 45 minutes, or half-time, he answered questions on this list which includes two newcomers, Jonathan Clauss (Lens) and Christopher Nkunku (Leipzig). The Blues will face Côte d’Ivoire in a friendly on Friday March 25 in Marseille and then South Africa on Tuesday March 29 in Lille.
Two players discover the Blues, Clauss and Nkunku, during this list. Why ?
DIDIER DESCHAMPS. They are two successful players with their club. They could have been called before. We have friendly matches before more important deadlines through official matches like the League of Nations then the World Cup. I consider that it was time to see them in order to have even more answers in relation to the final choices that I will have to make in the future. The essential criterion is the performance achieved with their club.
How are you going to use Christopher Nkunku?
He has very good stats. His register has evolved a little because before he played on one side and now axial and even 2nd striker in Leipzig. He has more freedom, he is closer to the goal and therefore more decisive. Its use will be in this sector.
Can winning the Italian championship allow Olivier Giroud to have more chances of returning to Blue?
It’s going well for him, he scores important goals and I’m happy for him. Good for his club. Then I have choices to make. I know what Olivier has done for us. He remains selectable and available to the France team even if I did not call him for this meeting.
Was this list built to keep your system working a 3-5-2?
Yes it is with this in mind even if I can also change the system from time to time. There are a lot of appointments. This system requires repetition. The June matches will also prepare for the World Cup.
In central defense, we note the absence of Kurt Zouma…
I didn’t take it routinely. He was not there in October for the League of Nations and in November he was there but Raphaël Varane was injured. It remains a sporting choice. And I only make sporting choices for anyone. I also had the opportunity to talk about what happened with Kurt in person. It shouldn’t have happened but it did. But my choices are always sporty.
Dayot Upamecano also comes out of this list…
He had difficulties with Bayern Munich but also in the France team. He’s not in the best shape of his career but he has all the potential. There is competition and he has been playing less lately.
Is Kingsley Coman still a striker or now a lane player?
He is very good on the corridor at Bayern and he was also with us during the last meeting.
Is Benjamin Pavard a lane or center player?
I consider him more today as an axis player, a central defender.
Are there any reasons for the absences of Ousmane Dembélé, Leo Dubois and Nabil Fekir?
No, there is no particular reason. Some are in recovery and need to continue. I have 23 boxes. It’s not fixed, there is competition. I’m not going to change everything from game to game.
What is Lafont missing to come to the France team?
Alban is having a much better season than the previous ones. You remember a match where he was very successful against PSG. We follow him. He is progressing. Alphonse Areola has less playing time but he has experience in the France team and has already proven that he has that level. This is the choice today. With Lloris and Maignan, there are people.
Do you have a preference on The future of Kylian Mbappé?
I have no preference, no opinion and he will decide. And whatever he decides there will be no worries about the France team. It will be his decision and that of his family as to what is best for him. No impact on the France team. I don’t have any info and I won’t try to get any.
How do you judge the situation in Ukraine?
As a citizen and coach, I want to send a message of peace that we hope for as soon as possible.
How did you experience Karim Benzema’s performance in the Champions League Round of 16 against PSG?
He is at a level of excellence and he deserves it (He scored a hat-trick against PSG, editor’s note). He is advancing in age while remaining among the very best who are decisive. Karim has a little problem (He went out on injury in La Liga, editor’s note) but it shouldn’t be serious.