Didier Deschamps returns to his strong choices

In a few days, the French team will face Albania and Andorra in the framework of the Euro 2020 qualifiers. Before these two meetings, Didier Deschamps had to unveil his famous list for this new gathering, the first since last June. In a press conference, the coach of the Blues has put an end to all suspense and the least we can say is that there are some surprises in this list, starting with the first appearance of Jonathan Ikoné, to his advantage with LOSC and Espoirs.

A choice on which returned the former coach of the OM: "Of course, there is what he's doing with his club, with last season, but also what he was able to do with the selection Espoirs course. But it is also due to absences on the offensive plan that are quite important. But he is in a player profile that is able to evolve on one side with his specific qualities of speed, provocation, a lot of percussion. And with efficiency that it is in assists or in goals which is interesting. " The 21-year-old winger then enjoys a few absences but he is especially rewarded for his performances, he who played all the matches of Ligue 1 last season for 3 goals and 10 assists.

The other surprise on this list is defense. Called twice but never appeared in the French jersey, Aymeric Laporte had expressed his dissatisfaction. But thanks to his matches with Manchester City, the defender of 25 years was successful, since Didier Deschamps appealed to him. "He is here, so I think that today he will be finally happy compared to the other times he was not. It's competition as there is every time. Of course, today's list is not the same reflection I had with my staff in June. It may not be the same in October. Aymerick is in a big club where he is efficient. He was last season and he continues to be so if he is there, it is to the detriment of others who may not be in the same sporting situation. So it seemed logical that he could come back with us for this gathering. "DD told journalists.

"The door is still open" for Samuel Umtiti

But who says presence of Aymeric Laporte says absence of other players. On the FC Barcelona substitute bench, Samuel Umtiti was not called for the rally, he was present in June. A decision that Didier Deschamps justified: "I do not forget what Sam brought to this team and gave. It was not easy in March, let alone in June. The season is gone and in the hierarchy, it is not titular. (…) Hard decisions, I always take because I have the choice between two or three players so I know that I'm pleased with one but not the other. I make sure to be logical about what I think. (…) We do not forget what happened last summer but the team of France is moving forward and what is happening today or in one or two months, or next March, it may not be the same situation. The door is always open when I think we have to move a little, put a little oxygen, regenerate, it goes through and it always worked like that. "

Finally, the coach of the Blues returned on the return of Steven N'Zonzi, who had missed the last rallies. "Steven had a complicated end to the season in Rome, he left to go to Galatasaray where he replayed, he made a good first game. I know him, he was with us at the Euro. Afterwards, there are absences too, it's a bit tied and I do not have many players in this sector anymore. I know what he's capable of doing, he's changed clubs, he's in a different environment. he had taken the option to go to Rome, it did not happen as it should have happened but it remains a player of very high level »said Didier Deschamps about the presence of the midfielder of 30 years.

Appointment Monday at Clairefontaine to prepare the 2 qualifying matches for UEFA Euro 2020! #FiersdetreBleus

FranceAlbania (Sat 7/09 at the Stade de France)
FranceAndorre (Tue 10/09 at the Stade de France)
https://t.co/NNC5ATrTBa pic.twitter.com/I0anCNy7Gr

– Team of France (@equipedefrance) August 29, 2019

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