Deschamps' faith in Griezmann is gone?

For the first time since EURO 2016, Deschamps will leave Griezmann on the bench. Photo: L'Equipe

Didier Deschamps has not benched Antoine Griezmann in a major tournament since the second game of EURO 2016 against Albania. Griezmann's run of 84 consecutive appearances for France was only interrupted by injury in March.

This time it was Deschamps' tactical decision to leave Les Bleus' vice-captain on the bench against Poland. With the third game of the group stage, it was unusual for the Atletico Madrid striker to not start.

The decision was communicated to Griezmann by the Les Bleus coaching staff. Little information has been revealed from this conversation but the reason is believed to be to preserve fitness.

Antoine Griezmann has not met expectations at EURO 2024. Photo: AFP

Previously, Deschamps had publicly admitted that he was not satisfied with Griezmann's performance in the match against Austria. The French captain said that his student made many mistakes and did not have enough influence in the match. When asked after the match against the Netherlands, Deschamps had a more positive view.

“Griezmann has been playing better. However, he needs to take better advantage of the opportunities he has had. He has had a busy season. In high-intensity games, in the central midfield position, it is not always easy,” Deschamps said.

In other words, the 55-year-old tactician currently does not see Griezmann as fit enough to play the attacking midfielder role in the 4-3-3 formation he intends to use against Poland. This is a heavy assessment for a player who has been familiar with recent major tournaments through fitness issues. So, if Les Bleus perform well against Poland with a more defensive-switching formation, will Griezmann’s position be threatened?

Deschamps will not be easy with his decision. The captain of the "Galician Rooster" knows Griezmann has enough class and experience to play in a big arena like EURO 2024.

Griezmann and Mbappe are two heroes who helped the French team win the 2018 World Cup. Photo: AFP

Despite his disappointing performances, Griezmann is also optimistic and insists he knows how to adapt to the tournament. However, it is not certain that this adjustment is what the Atletico Madrid star wants.

According to L'Equipe, Griezmann is said to be extremely disappointed and very upset about this decision. The 33-year-old midfielder also does not fully understand Deschamps' thinking because he himself believes that he does not have a physical problem.

“My physical condition is very good. In the two friendly matches before EURO 2024, I was a bit tired due to the heavy preparation process. At 33 years old, the recovery process is slower but I am always ready to compete” - Griezmann shared before the match with the Netherlands.

While the decision to bench Griezmann may be controversial, from Deschamps’ perspective, it may be a necessary choice in the context of the French team needing a change to create a breakthrough. As the schedule gets more crowded and the pressure gets greater, conserving physical strength for more important matches may be Deschamps’ long-term strategy.

If he plays against Poland, Antoine Griezmann will become the player with the most appearances in major tournaments for the French team (33 times). Photo: AFP

With his experience and talent, Griezmann will always be an important part of the “Galician Rooster”. However, for now, perhaps the best thing is to let him rest and prepare for the bigger challenges that lie ahead. Griezmann’s patience and adaptability will be the key to helping him come back stronger in the remaining stages of EURO 2024.

Source: https://laodong.vn/bong-da-quoc-te/niem-tin-cua-deschamps-danh-cho-griezmann-da-khong-con-1357404.ldo