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Deschamps on a possible return for Rabiot to the NT
"I might go viral but I don't care. I am asked this question very regularly. I won’t close the door [for a return of Adrien Rabiot in the NT], but it seems that when I am asked this, you’re talking to me about a player who was very good with the French national team. If this is the case, then take a look at his 5 games he had with us. I won’t take away from the qualities of Adrien Rabiot, what he can do at PSG even if it is complicated for him on the pitch and off the pitch, although that last part is not my concern, it is between himself and his manager at PSG. But we’re not talking about a player who’s had high levels of performance while he was with us. The NT survived, and I called on to other players who met my expectations. Lately, I called up Tanguy Ndombele, there is competition."
"I am not fixated nor is this a punishment for the sake of punishing. I don’t want to aggravate the situation, but you cannot minimize the decision he took [in regard to turning down a call up to the NT reserves prior to the WC]. We’re talking about the French national team. What that kit represents to us, and the decision he made, voila… He didn’t do any harm, there will always be worse things… But regarding the message I have been trying to pass to my players since I became manager in 2012, I always considered having this kind of attitude is a no. No it’s not a sanction. I was forced to accept his decision. It has consequences for him, for the group as well. But there are other players. A competition. Players before and after the world cup have shown up.”
Asked if they have spoken since:
“No. I tried to make sure we had a communication before his decision but it not was possible. Hasn’t happened since. The national team belongs to no one, it is not Adrien Rabiot’s, it’s not Blaise Matuidi’s, not Hugo Lloris’, it’s the group’s. And the group belongs always prevails over individuals.”
