Didier Deschamps, France national team coach, held a press conference on the sidelines of Les Bleus’ training camp. Paris Saint-Germain was notably discussed, with the possibility of 23-year-old goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier playing, the non-call-up of 19-year-old midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery, and the role of 20-year-old Désiré Doué in midfield rather than up front. These comments were relayed by RMC Sport.
Deschamps said, “Logically, Lucas Chevalier will have to experience his first international cap sooner or later.”
Will Lucas Chevalier play?
“He’s here, but on a personal level, his change of club exposes him more. Not that he wasn’t a star at Lille, but it’s different at PSG. There’s a hierarchy among goalkeepers, even if it can change. I’m not taking anything away from Mike, who was able to be very decisive with us in March and then against Germany in June.”
I’m not going to complain about having three very high-level goalkeepers, and that’s often been the case. For Lucas, it will be here or later, but it will happen at some point. I’m sticking with number 1 as long as he performs, but logically, Lucas Chevalier will have to experience his first international cap sooner or later.”
Deschamps therefore doesn’t promise immediate playing time, even though these are World Cup qualifying matches and not friendlies where rotation is more traditional. Chevalier could play; he’s an excellent goalkeeper. But he does emphasize the hierarchy and Maignan’s good performances, so we expect to see the latter for the time being. That’s how it is, the competition is very tough. The young Parisian goalkeeper still has time. Being number 2 for France is no small feat.
Deschamps: “I’m not worried about Warren”
“Zaire-Emery out?
For Warren, the situation has evolved similarly to the second half of last season. He faces very high competition and less playing time. He needs to maintain his confidence, even if it’s not ideal to play less. He also had an early rise. I’m not worried about Warren; he should have seven caps; he has everything going for him and in front of him. But occasionally, at PSG, there are three players who start matches ahead of him.”
Zaire-Emery has been called up frequently since becoming a starter at PSG, and his potential hasn’t been forgotten, but it’s also logical that competition exists. He’s playing a little less in Paris, partly because he hasn’t performed as well. He’ll therefore have to regain consistency and “impact” in his match appearances.
This should push him to redouble his efforts. Beware, however, of the blow his confidence could take. A slightly “unfair” one, as he was cut short by a long-term ankle injury. It’s up to him to get back to his best.
Deschamps: “I’m putting him in midfield to balance things out.”
Désiré Doué in midfield rather than up front?
As for Désiré Doué, I’m putting him in midfield to balance things out because otherwise you’ll say I’m too attacking a coach. But Olise and Cherki are also attacking midfielders like Doué. Doué is less decisive in midfield than up front, but he has the ability and versatility to play in midfield too.”
Doué played more in midfield at the start of the season at PSG, while also playing as a forward at times. That’s part of his versatility. He’s more of an attacker, of course, but has also shown that he can win balls back. There’s a desire to have such a player in the squad. While Deschamps has selected several forwards, considering him primarily as a midfielder here isn’t unreasonable. This doesn’t prevent him from changing his position during a match.
