Far from the French team now, since he left to play Mexico in 2021 before joining Udinese in 2023, Florian Thauvin, 32, talks about his career in an interview with France Football. 2018 world champion, “Flotov” seems to reproach Didier Deschamps his almost zero use during the World Cup in Russia. He only came into play in the 89th minute of the eighth final memorable against Argentina (4-3), while the Blues led 4-2.
Author of an XXL season with OM in 2017-2018 (26 goals and 18 assists in 54 matches), Thauvin estimates that he was amply deserved at the World Cup. However, it was obviously the injury of his teammate Dimitri Payet, during the final of the Europa League against Atlético, which allowed him to be one of the 23 tricolors.
“My place in the France group was indisputable. I am an attacking player who we ask to be decisive, at that time that does better? So when I am put in the face: “Yeah, you are world champion but you haven't played …” The star, I deserve it entirely ”proclaims Thauvin.
Deschamps prefers Mbappé and Dembélé…
Before continuing: “French world champions, there are only 45. I don't need to be loved, I want us to be just with me. In 2017-2018, I am among the most decisive players in Europe behind the untouchable Lionel Messi. And doing a season like that, I have a seven -minute game in the World Cup. »» The tricolor coach Didier Deschamps will appreciate …
This is a funny declaration from Thauvin, since, despite his superb season with the Phocaeans, the player revealed in Bastia did not necessarily deserve more playing time with the EDF. Kylian Mbappé, then 19, was placed on the right side (of a 4-3-3 then a 4-2-3-1 from the second match against Peru), with the success we know. It was Ousmane Dembélé who replaced Mbappé in the eleven in the third group match against Denmark (0-0) and Deschamps actually did not bring Thauvin during this meeting …
