Rayan Cherki's first summons to the French team A by Didier Deschamps for the Final Four of the League of Nations did not fail to flow a lot of ink, and not only in France. On the other side of the Mediterranean, in Algeria, which ardently courts the talented Lyonnais, this selection was perceived by some as a maneuver of the French coach to “padlock” the player and permanently prevent him from opting for the Fennecs. Persistent rumors even suggested that Cherki himself could have envisaged Algeria if France did not call it in June. Faced with this small music and the accusations of Machiavellian calculations, DD, during its press conference on Wednesday, delivered an answer which sounds like a very clear message, even a development intended for all those who would doubt its intentions.
“Zero Algerian influence”: Deschamps hammers its sporting reasons
Asked head -on about the weight that Algerian interest could have had in his decision to call Cherki now, Didier Deschamps' response, lapidary: “How much did it play?” Zero. »» The coach wanted to scan a back of hand any idea of ​​a strategic selection aimed at countering another federation.
“When I take a player, it is for our needs, it is never to prevent him from doing something else, despite what can be said,” he hammered. For him, Cherki's summons is purely sporty, justified by his performances:
“Rayan could have already been there in March by what he realizes with his club, where he was much more decisive. »»
No “cadling”: Deschamps defends his method and the player's freedom
Faced with insinuations that he instrumentalized young binationals, Deschamps was intractable on his principles. “I have never blocked a player or prevented a player from choosing (between several selections),” he insisted. “At no time did I play with that since I was a coach. »» He recognizes that federations contact the increasingly young players, but he assures it:
“Some make a choice very early, it is their freedom, and I will never play with this freedom. »» A strong message for those who accuse him of wanting
“Lock” Cherki against his will or by pure calculation.
Cherki “padlock”? Deschamps takes out the sulphate against Algeria and assumes!
Cherki with the A: a choice that seems clear?
By integrating the France A group A for an official tournament like the Final Four of the League of Nations, Rayan Cherki, which has 23 selections in hopes and shone with the Olympics (money in Paris 2024), has taken a decisive step. This invitation, if it is followed by an appearance in an official match, would seal its international future with the Blues. A situation which, beyond the justifications of Deschamps, also sends a signal on the player's own aspirations, which will not participate in Euro U21 in June accordingly.
Deschamps right in its boots: Algeria is warned?
Didier Deschamps therefore remained straight in his boots. His communication, firm and direct, aims to close the debate on the motivations for the selection of Rayan Cherki. By affirming that only the sporting criterion and the opportune “moment” guide his choices, he addresses an unequivocal message: he builds his team according to his own convictions, without being influenced by external pressures or the strategies of other federations. Algeria and observers are warned: for Deschamps, the interest of the France team takes precedence over any other consideration.
