Deschamps dismisses claims of personal barriers for Laporte’s snub
Aymeric Laporte had claimed that his omission from the French national team had nothing to do with his on-field performances and head coach Didier Deschamps had personal reasons for not considering him for international duty.
Laporte has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in Europe since making a move to Manchester City from Athletic Bilbao. The 24-year-old has been one of the first names on Pep Guardiola’s team sheet in the Premier League and has caught the eye with consistently impressive displays at the back.
However, Deschamps has dismissed claims that Laporte’s omission from the national team has anything to do with personal reasons.
He told RMC Sport: “I do not understand [why Laporte made those statements]. I do not know.
“I do not have a problem with anyone. When I choose someone it is not for me. I repeat. I only have one thing to say to him and that is that he continues to perform well.
“If you tell me he must be in [Marseille centre-back Adil] Rami’s place then I stop you right away. Sorry but two left-footed defenders at centre-back at international level… We have a lot of left-footers and few right-footers.”
Laporte had previously claimed: “Of course I don’t think it’s because of a sporting issue, you’d have to ask him personally, I don’t have anything personal against him, but if someone has a problem it’s him and not me.
“I could be a world champion… but these are the decisions of the coach, who is not calling me for, I think, personal reasons, and I have to respect him.”
France finished second in their group behind the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League and it will be interesting to see what impact Laporte’s statement has on his international future with the Euro 2020 qualifiers around the corner.
See also:- Maurizio Sarri ‘Best Manager’ Gonzalo Higuain Has Worked Under
