William Saliba faces psychological challenge with France, admits Deschamps | OneFootball

France manager Didier Deschamps has shed light on the contrasting psychological conditions experienced by William Saliba when playing for France, as opposed to his assured performances at Arsenal.

Saliba’s limited game time with the national team presents different challenges than his indispensable role at Arsenal.

France national team manager Didier Deschamps has highlighted the psychological challenges faced by William Saliba when playing for the country, in stark contrast to his confident performances at Arsenal.

Saliba, a crucial player for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, has been facing a different situation with the French national team due to limited game time and intense competition.

Deschamps acknowledges Saliba’s limited opportunities in the national setup, where he has appeared only twice this year.

He contrasts this with the player’s solid form for his club, suggesting that the rotation at the international level might be causing doubts in Saliba’s mind.

“He hasn’t had a lot of game time with us. He is performing well for his club,” Deschamps said, highlighting the disparity between his roles for France and Arsenal.

Competing with the likes of Ibrahima Konate, Lucas Hernandez, Dayot Upamecano, and Jean-Clair Todibo, Saliba faces a different level of competition than at Arsenal where he is an undisputed starter.

Deschamps adds, “At international level, he hasn’t always found himself in the best conditions in matches where I’ve rotated a lot. He isn’t in the same psychological situation with his club, where he doesn’t ask himself if he’ll play at the weekend.

“When he has game time with us, he tells himself he needs to play well because there are others behind him.

“He is not in a psychological situation that is the same as at his club. He has everything he needs to take the next step.”

Saliba’s situation at Arsenal is, as pointed out, a stark contrast to his role with France.

The defender has played the full 90 minutes in all of Arsenal’s Premier League games this year.

However, Saliba’s game time with France has been more limited this year, with Jules Kounde and Benjamin Pavard also involved in the centre-back rotation.

France, having already qualified for the European Championships after six wins in six, will face Gibraltar and Greece in their final qualifiers.