Didier Deschamps leaves Partice Evra out of his France squad to face Italy – “I have to look forward to the World Cup”.
The Juventus full-back has won 80 caps for Les Bleus, and while he isn’t ruled-out of future squads, the Coach wants to look at younger options.
“Patrice always maintains his level,” Deschamps explained in his Press conference to announce the squad.
Didier Deschamps leaves Partice Evra out of his France squad to face Italy – “I have to look forward to the World Cup”.
The Juventus full-back has won 80 caps for Les Bleus, and while he isn’t ruled-out of future squads, the Coach wants to look at younger options.
“Patrice always maintains his level,” Deschamps explained in his Press conference to announce the squad.
“But I have to look forward to the World Cup, which takes place in two years. Patrice is at a certain age [35]. It’s up to him to maintain the level that he has today.
“But it seemed important to give playing time to younger players who can improve. Patrice Evra played every game at the Euros, he’s at Juventus and I know what he’s capable of.
“The World Cup is in two years, that’s two more years for him. Meanwhile I can watch the evolution of younger players who have been with us, such as Lucas Digne and Laywin Kurzawa.
“It’s important to show them that I have confidence in them. It’s up to them to respond and show me they’re up to international standard.
“There are some players on stand-by, they don’t know what team they’ll be playing for on August 31. We have to build on what we did in the Euros, if I had to pick players who have only played three or four games it would have been complicated.”
One player who has been included in the squad is Paul Pogba, who moved from Juventus to Manchester United for a world record €105m.
“These are club-to-club transfers. It can be surprising to see such amounts, but football always generates money. Manchester [United] will quickly recover that amount in merchandising.
“We like to remind players of their prices, but I don’t think it will affect him. After him, there will be someone else who will cost more.”
Deschamps was also asked about Blaise Matuidi's possible transfer to Juventus, and hinted that he had spoken to the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder.
However, despite being pressed by an Italian journalist, the former Bianconeri Coach refused to elaborate.
France squad for Italy and Belarus:
Goalkeepers: Areola, Costil, Mandanda
Defenders: Corchia, Digne, Koscielny, Kurzawa, Rami, Sidibé, Umtiti, Varane
Midfielders: Cabaye, Kanté, Matuidi, Payet, Pogba, Sissoko
Forwards: Fekir, Gignac, Giroud, Griezmann, Lacazette, Martial