Present at a press conference before challenging Gibraltar in qualifying for Euro 2024, Didier Deschamps was quickly heckled by the journalists on site. Asked about the statements of Jürgen Klopp, annoyed by the management of the French coach towards his protégé Ibrahima Konaté, the former OM midfielder justified himself. Facing the press, he confided that he was doing his best.
“You’re looking for me there by teasing me from the first question. No, it’s mainly Ibou’s situation. He didn’t play the match in Toulouse. He was warming up for an entry and he felt a little problem with his ischio. He took exams, it’s no big deal but it’s not in the player’s interest nor in mine. That Klopp said that, it has already happened to him, it could happen to him, interests diverge between club and national coaches. I also try to manage them in the best possible way. I do the best I can with the data I have. If I have to manage them all… But this is so that Ibou doesn’t take any risks”. The message has gotten through!
