Even if Karim Benzema’s injury and his departure from Qatar just before the start of the 2022 World Cup had sowed discord, Didier Deschamps seems above it. The coach of the France team was questioned about the Al-Ittihad striker this Friday at a press conference.
The former Marseille coach assured that Karim Benzema was selectable for the Olympic Games, a competition in which Thierry Henry will lead the Blues. “I see you coming with your big clogs,” replied “DD” to journalists about a possible selection for the 2022 Ballon d’or. Why wouldn’t that make me happy? There’s only one you have to ask and his name is Thierry. It’s Thierry who decides. I have no objection to protesting. »
“They can be candidates”
At the start of the week, Didier Deschamps had already opened the door when a journalist asked him if Karim Benzema, Raphaël Varane or even Hugo Lloris could be summoned. “If they want to and Thierry needs them, why not? You have to ask Thierry. The goal is to have the best team. They can be candidates like many. »
Tuesday evening, journalist Virginie Sainsily revealed on the set of La Chaîne L’Équipe an exchange with Karim Benzema. In it, the 36-year-old striker was enthusiastic about the idea of participating in the Paris Games: “The Olympics? Why not, of course, it could be great! »
The former Real Madrid player, who has 97 caps and 37 goals for the Blues, could therefore potentially be one of the three players over 23 who will have the right to call up Thierry Henry this summer. On condition, like all the others, to obtain authorization from your club, the Games not being part of an official Fifa window.
