Didier Deschamps, the French national team coach, held a press conference this Thursday to announce the squad for the March international break. He was naturally asked to comment on the call-up of Lucas Chevalier, the 24-year-old Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper who hasn’t played since January.
Deschamps: “I haven’t forgotten that last autumn, he was supposed to be competing with Maignan.”
“His last match was at the end of January, if I’m not mistaken. Since then, he’s been in a more difficult situation where he hasn’t been getting any playing time. This has happened to me often with important players who might be experiencing temporary difficulties at their clubs, and I’ve reached out to them. It’s part of building trust. I haven’t forgotten that last autumn, he was supposed to be competing with Maignan. It’s only been four months since then.”
Deschamps: “I’m not putting any pressure on PSG or Luis Enrique.”
“This situation isn’t ideal for him, I’ve spoken with him. He’s stuck in a third-choice role. It’s important to me on a personal level; he hasn’t lost his value in four months. He’s still active. Will things change? I hope so, but I’m not putting any pressure on PSG or Luis Enrique. But it seemed right for him to include him in this squad,” these remarks were reported by RMC Sport.
These are clear words from the national team coach, a mix of support and a gentle warning. Chevalier has fallen down the pecking order, and playing for Les Bleus at the World Cup looks difficult if he doesn’t regain a starting position at PSG. Which seems difficult at the moment, even though football can change quickly and the goalkeeper’s qualities are still there.
At least the goalkeeper has this break from his far-from-easy daily routine in Paris. An opportunity to recharge, in a different context. Even if he doesn’t necessarily get more playing time, it’s up to him to find solutions in the face of stiff competition. Deschamps can offer him moral support, but there’s nothing that can be done about coach Luis Enrique’s choices.
