France coach Didier Deschamps reassures Milan fans over Mike Maignan’s latest injury scare and explains why Marcus Thuram performs better for Inter.
Les Bleus are preparing for tomorrow’s Nations League match against Belgium, as they are in the same group as Italy and sitting one point behind the Nazionale.
They lost the opening game 3-1 in Paris to the Azzurri, despite taking the lead in the opening seconds.
France beat Israel 4-1 and are set to make changes tomorrow, although Deschamps reassured fans who were concerned that Milan goalkeeper Maignan has not been in training for a couple of days.
“Maybe him and Tchaouameni are asleep,” joked the coach in his press conference.
“There is nothing in particular to worry about, seeing as this is the second match, it is more than anything just a precaution.”
Deschamps backs Maignan and Thuram for France
Inter striker Thuram is joint-Capocannoniere in Serie A so far this season with seven goals and he remained on the bench throughout the match against Israel after a knock to the ankle.
There are suggestions the striker will start tomorrow against Belgium, although his form for France has been a world away from the kind of performances seen at club level since moving to Italy.
“He had a small fitness issue, but is doing better now. He is very effective at Inter because he plays in an unusual tactical system,” added Deschamps.
“Strikers need to be decisive, which means they must have confidence and calm, those elements that help you make the right decisions.
“Marcus had lots of opportunities for France that did not turn into goals, so that affected his confidence.”
Thuram has only two goals in 26 senior caps for his country.
