French team: tackled by Klopp, Deschamps responds to the Konaté case

In Clairefontaine “You seek me out by titillating me from the first question.” Didier Deschamps smiles and sets about responding this Monday at a press conference. The subject ? If Jürgen Klopp's recent comments towards him played in his decision not to take any risks with Ibrahima Konaté, injured and replaced by Axel Disasi on Sunday evening.

“No, it had no influence, it was mainly Ibou's situation,” admits the coach, who has already had problems with certain clubs regarding the management of certain internationals since his arrival in the selection in 2012. He didn't play the match in Toulouse, he was warming up and felt a little problem with his ischio. He took exams. It's not serious but you shouldn't take risks. It’s neither in the player’s interest nor in mine (to select him).”

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On October 27, the coach of the Liverpool Reds did not appreciate recovering his diminished central defender. “The problem is that he had several injuries. Mr. Deschamps made him play 90 and 87 minutes in the last two matches (in October), so we gave him a little rest. He could have played tonight, but he must also play on Sunday, insisted Klopp. Mr. Deschamps, this is how we rest the players. Not three minutes…” Asked about this media outing, widely reported in England, and which rekindles the difficulties between selections and clubs, Didier Deschamps did not rush in. “It must have already happened, it could happen again. The situation and interests diverge at some point between club and national coach, but I make sure, as far as possible, when they are there, to manage them. A way to clear the land. Until the next international injury...