Didier Deschamps Faces Major Changes in French National Team
In a significant shift for the French national football team, coach Didier Deschamps will announce a new squad on Thursday for the upcoming matches against Israel and Belgium, notably without key players Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappé. Griezmann's recent retirement from international football comes as a surprise to many, marking the end of an era for the team. He has been a staple in the squad for over a decade, known for being the top passer in the history of the Blues. Meanwhile, Mbappé's absence is due to muscle discomfort sustained during a recent match with Real Madrid, raising questions about the team's offensive capabilities.
Potential Replacements and Strategic Changes
With Griezmann and potentially Mbappé sidelined, Deschamps is expected to explore fresh talent. Michaël Olise from Bayern Munich is likely to be called up, alongside Christopher Nkunku, who has been out of action due to injuries in previous tournaments. The coach aims to rejuvenate the squad following a disappointing performance in the Euro, which may lead to some unexpected selections in the final roster. Other forwards like Barcola, Dembélé, Thuram, and Kolo Muani are anticipated to play pivotal roles in the upcoming fixtures.
Midfield and Defensive Adjustments
In midfield, Deschamps may lean on Manu Koné and the returning Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga, while Adrien Rabiot’s form remains a concern. The defense is also set to see changes, with Wesley Fofana expected to step in, and a solid lineup that includes Ibrahima Konaté and Dayot Upamecano. As the coach prepares for this new chapter, all eyes will be on how he adapts the team's strategy to fill the gaps left by these influential players.
