Olivier Giroud criticises bringing back Karim Benzema to the French national squad.
The Real Madrid captain has been recalled by Didier Deschamps after a six-year hiatus from the national team in Euro 2020.
The manager’s decision was criticised by Giroud who believes Benzema’s return affected the team’s tactics.
Giroud lost his place in the national squad after Benzema’s return and says that the team changed their playing style and took a few games to adapt to the new changes.
“I found out [about Benzema’s return] when the coach announced it,” Giroud told L’Equipe.
“It was [Didier] Deschamps’ will. I understand it, but I would have liked to have been warned sooner.
“I have nothing against Karim, but his return to the national team created a tactical imbalance and in our way of playing. It was something evident in some games, which luckily could be fixed quickly, as could be seen in the Nations League. However, it took time.
“I had no problems with Karim at the European Championship. He has changed and evolved. We ate every day at the same table.”
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