France coach Didier Deschamps has said that he’s not thinking about the potential return of Karim Benzema at the moment and is focused on the job in hand for the national team as they seek to go as far as possible at the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Deschamps and Aurelien Tchouameni held a press conference ahead of Wednesday’s match against Tunisia in which the coach is preparing changes after having already qualified for the round of 16.
No news
Following the news that Benzema could return to Les Bleus if he recovers and the regulations allow it, Deschamps quickly settled the issue.
“It’s not what I’m talking about now, I don’t know what they’re saying or how they’re saying it. You know his situation and the time he needs to recover. I spoke to him after he left. I don’t know where he wants to go with that question,” Deschamps said.
“I take care of the 24 players that are there. I don’t know, if you want to imagine, talk, debate…. I’m not going to comment on matters that concern our daily routine.”
Speaking about Antoine Griezmann‘s role in the squad, the coach said: “It’s two games and you are able to see him, what he can do and very well, in a role that suits him very well.
“He is physically and mentally well and he has always had a great influence on his game. That allows him to be in a defensive and offensive phase.”
Speaking about France‘s current upcoming generation, the coach had some kind words for his younger players.
“Some of them don’t have international experience but they all have the potential to be here,” Deschamps said.
“They play in big clubs, the quality they have….a group is always a good mix between quality and many other things, with young players and others with more experience.”
