France Boss Explains Omission Of Inter Milan Defender From UEFA Nations League Fixtures | OneFootball

France manager Didier Deschamps explained his decision to leave Inter Milan star Benjamin Pavard out of UEFA Nations League squad.

Speaking during a press conference via FCInterNews, Deschamps addressed Pavard’s exclusion from the upcoming games against Italy and Belgium.

Deschamps’ decision to omit the former Bayern Munich defender from his squad for September’s Nations League fixtures caused havoc in the country.

It has triggered mixed feelings among Les Bleus fans amid the 28-year-old’s electrifying start to the season.

The omission is mind-boggling, given a late injury suffered by Chelsea center-back Wesley Fofana.

Fofana’s withdrawal has forced the 55-year-old manager to make last-gasp changes to his squad.

However, he refused to give Benjamin Pavard a call-up, opting for Sevilla’s Loic Bade instead.

Despite Sevilla’s tragic form in 2023/24 and an equally underwhelming start to the new season, Deschamps saw it fitting to put Bade in front of Pavard.

Such a decision could backfire on France when they lock horns with redemption-seeking Italy on Friday.

France Boss Didier Deschamps Explains Omission of Inter Milan Defender Benjamin Pavard

“Why shouldn’t I have brought Loic Bade? It’s a choice,” Deschamps said when asked why he picked the 24-year-old over the Inter talisman.

“As for Benjamin, I thought it was inconsistent to recall him after not taking him into consideration at first.

“But that didn’t change my position when the list was announced. I think this is the time to see as many players as possible.”

Pavard experienced an injury-hit first season at Giuseppe Meazza after swapping Bayern for Inter last summer.

However, he put his fitness woes firmly behind him in the second half of the 2023/24 campaign.

Since then, he has established himself as a permanent first-team fixture in Simone Inzaghi’s set-up.

He’s been part of Inzaghi’s defensive trio in all three Serie A outings this season, helping Inter amass seven points.