The 5 Bleus under pressure
While the French team has been in the United States since yesterday to challenge Brazil and Colombia in friendly matches, The Parisian focuses on players already under pressure. Among them, Akliouche, Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani play big during these two preparation matches. Places remain to be taken until the list for the World Cup scheduled for May 13. The injuries to Saliba, Koundé, Manu Koné and Barcola open up opportunities for others. This is the case of Maxence Lacroix, selected in Blue for the first time, but also of Pierre Kalulu. For his part, Maghnes Akliouche also has a lot to prove against Doué and Cherki who practically have their place assured. Kolo Muani and Thuram benefit from a lot of credit from Didier Deschamps… but for how long?
Many suitors for Bernardo Silva
The impossible dream of Benfica who wants to afford Bernardo Silva. After nine legendary seasons at Manchester City, the Portuguese is preparing to leave England, but a return to Benfica is ruled out in the short term. At 31, the Portuguese international favors a final XXL contract abroad to continue to shine in a major championship. If Juventus seems to hold the rope with a three-year offer, Galatasaray, Barcelona and Saudi Arabia remain on the lookout to attract the left-hander. Free at the end of the season, he is counting on his experience in the Champions League to get a final challenge before thinking, much later, of a return to his roots. In Recordwe discuss another avenue. Inter Miami is knocking on the Portuguese’s door. The American club wants it, but knows that for the moment it wants to stay in Europe.
The puzzle for Didier Deschamps
As the two preparation matches approach, Deschamps’ first big project is on the left side. This side of the field is marked by chronic instability. The absence due to injury of Bradley Barcola, favorite for the attacking position, forces the coach to test alternatives among DouĂ©, Ekitike or Thuram, without a specialist really emerging. Same observation in defense, the duel between Lucas Digne and Theo Hernandez remains open, while the return to form of Lucas Hernandez offers a more secure option. The French staff must quickly find stable benchmarks during the next friendly matches. Finding the perfect balance to support Kylian MbappĂ© will be the key to the success of the Blues in the United States, writes his side The Team.
