Left out of the France team since the Euro, Benjamin Pavard still believes in a future in the selection. Questioned this week, the Inter Milan defender sent a very clear message to Didier Deschamps.
World champion in 2018, hero of the duel against Argentina and sure value of the Blues for several years, Benjamin Pavard no longer enters into Didier Deschamps' plans recently. Absent from the French group for the Nations League matches in September and October, the Inter defender could still be missing during the duels against Israel and Italy on November 14 and 17. Unless there is a little surprise in the list revealed Thursday by the coach.
“I always respect the coach's choices, he's the boss. But it sure feels weird because since November 2017 I had almost been called up to the France team every time, except because of an injury and covid”, reacted Benjamin Pavard during an interview given Monday to GQ magazine. “I had the opportunity to recharge my batteries and go away for a few days with my fiancée, so I had a good time during this period.”
“I’m not giving up and I’m continuing to work”
An indisputable starter at the club, but essentially in a three-way position, Benjamin Pavard is paying for this tactical evolution as much as the competition among the Blues. Accustomed to playing on the right, Didier Deschamps prefers Jules Koundé and Jonathan Clauss while in the middle, Ibrahima Konaté as well as William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano and Wesley Foafana have the technician's preference. Far from being defeated, the former Lille and Bayern Munich player wants to believe it.
“Obviously I'm not giving up and I'm continuing to work so that the coach calls on me again. It's really him who passed the winning on to me and I still want to win alongside him.”
Pavard prefers to spend the break with the Blues rather than at home
Unlike some of his selection partners, Benjamin Pavard does not seem to complain about overloaded schedules. In any case, the interior defender does not hide the fact that he would prefer to be called up to the Blues rather than stay at home during the international break.
“I always aspire to play for the French team. There is nothing more beautiful than representing your country and singing the Marseillaise before a match,” the 28-year-old center finally told GQ. “I have had emotions since I was little watching the Blues on TV and it still gives me chills today. I would prefer to be in the French team rather than having a rest but it still feels good mentally and physically to recharge your batteries with those close to you.”
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