Asked Thursday about a possible return from Paul Pogba to the French team, Didier Deschamps once again preferred to kick in touch.
Didier Deschamps was in front of journalists this Thursday to announce the list of players selected for the October Gathering of the French team. Obliged to compose with many offensive packages, the coach decided in particular to call Jean-Philippe Mateta for the first time. Regarding the absent, he was entitled to a question on Paul Pogba.
Still in the upgrade phase on the side of AS Monaco, the midfielder who has not played in the official match since September 2023 has logically not called to play the two games of the 2026 World Cup that the Blues will play against Azerbaijan and Iceland, on October 10 and 13. But Didier Deschamps keeps an eye on him.
“He is getting closer to the moment when he becomes a football player again. It will be an important step for him. »» As for a return to the French team, “DD” was much more prudent. “It will depend on him. Let him want it, I have no doubts. He has steps to take. »»
A complicated challenge for Paul Pogba
The tricolor tactician therefore did not want to decide, for several reasons. “Whether possible, if I say yes, it will be:” ‘Wow, return from Pogba.’ If I say no, I’m going to pass for an idiot, so it will not do it not. It is all the evil that I wish him to already pass this first step. »»
Paul Pogba did not hide wanting to do his best to be operational and selectable for the 2026 World Cup. Winner of the 2018 World Cup with the Blues, the midfielder knows that the challenge, already complicated at the start, is increasingly difficult over the months and weeks that pass without having resumed competition.
