France Coach Explains Ex Bayern Munich Star’s Exclusion From Squad: ‘He Doesn’t Play Every Match For Inter Milan’ | OneFootball

Didier Deschamps has explained his decision to leave Inter Milan defender Benjamin Pavard out of the France squad for the break.

Speaking in a press conference, as reported by FCInterNews, the Les Bleus coach suggested that Pavard not always starting for Inter has played a role.

Deschamps is the coach who made Pavard a part of the France national team setup.

Pavard broke into the Les Bleus team around the time of the 2018 World Cup. He started for France throughout that tournament, including in the final against Croatia.

Pavard has made a total of 54 appearances for the national team.

And at the age of 29, the former Bayern Munich defender is right at the prime age to be a key part of the starting eleven, on paper.

However, that’s not really how it’s worked out.

Pavard has featured less and less in recent years.

The emergence of Jules Kounde playing a similar role has been part of the reason why. Like Pavard, the Barcelona defender has the versatility to play at either right-back or centre-back.

Therefore, Kounde has slotted in to France coach Deschmaps’s preferred setup. This has left little room in the team for Pavard.

Pavard Explains Why Inter Defender Pavard Excluded From France Squad

Pavard made the move to Inter from Bayern Munich last summer.

Things have largely gone positively for the Frenchman since his arrival at the Nerazzurri.

In his first ever season at Inter, Pavard helped the team to the Serie A title.

Moreover, Pavard started regularly for Inter last season. And furthermore, he has been a regular starter this season as well.

Pavard’s versatility has made him an ideal player on the right side of Inter’s back three.

The role has elements of both centre-back and full-back. Therefore, Pavard’s proficiency in either position has certainly helped him.

However, the emergence of Yann Bisseck has given the 29-year-old real competition for his place.

France coach Deschamps said that “Benjamin plays, but not every match.”

As far as what the Inter defneder must do to win his place in the team back, the Les Bleus coach hinted, “I know what he can do.”