France boss Didier Deschamps has explained why the Serie A based duo of Paul Pogba and Philippe Mexes are currently not part of his plans.
France boss Didier Deschamps has explained why the Serie A based duo of Paul Pogba and Philippe Mexes are currently not part of his plans.
“Calm is needed surrounding Pogba,” the former Juventus midfielder and Coach told the Gazzetta dello Sport.
“He’s young, he certainly has quality and he has really interesting potential,” he said of Juve’s 19-year-old.
“I’m following him, but he has to play more games. And it is obvious that the competition for places in Turin is tough.
“I still haven’t spoken with Juventus boss Antonio Conte, but playing 25 games for Juve counts for more than 40 with a smaller club.
“Pogba, though, represents the future of France as Raphael Varane does at Real Madrid.”
Deschamps also touched upon the exclusion of Milan centre-back Mexes. “Despite his age and experience, he isn’t a first team regular for the Rossoneri.
“However, I know his qualities and he could return.”
France take on Italy in Parma on Wednesday night.