France national team manager Didier Deschamps has thrown his support behind Ousmane Dembele as a contender for the Ballon d’Or following the Paris Saint-Germain star’s impressive season and Champions League triumph.
Speaking ahead of France’s UEFA Nations League semi-final clash against Spain in Stuttgart, Deschamps said the PSG contingent would be ready despite the short recovery period after their historic Champions League victory. PSG clinched their first-ever European title with a dominant 5-0 win over Inter Milan on Saturday.
The French side featured several national team players including Warren Zaire-Emery, Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue, Lucas Hernandez, and Dembele. Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram and Benjamin Pavard, also French internationals, featured on the losing side.
“They are here, so I am counting on them,” Deschamps said during a press conference. “I found them very happy on Monday evening, of course, with a certain fatigue as well. Then, there were Benjamin and Marcus on the other side. The feelings and emotions were not the same.”
Deschamps acknowledged the emotional rollercoaster of the Champions League final but urged his players to quickly refocus for the national team duty.
Dembele, named UEFA Champions League Player of the Season, has emerged as a leading candidate for the Ballon d’Or. The forward played a key role in PSG’s European success and has received widespread praise for his consistent performances.
“Of course I am for Ousmane, since he is French and with the season he is celebrating,” Deschamps said. “Obviously, this Nations League can bring some elements of response, the Club World Cup too. If I have to choose, I tell you Ous, one hundred percent, of course.
“If you ask me about the Spaniards, I don’t think they will tell you the same thing. But obviously, Ousmane, with the season he is having, deserves it.”
Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe, who left PSG for Real Madrid at the end of the previous season, failed to win the Champions League or LaLiga title but still finished as LaLiga’s top scorer. Deschamps confirmed the forward remains central to his plans.
“You know his season as well as I do. He is now in very good shape and with a much better footballing and physical potential,” the coach said. “Nothing changes, Kylian will have a central position.”
Germany will take on Portugal in the other semi-final on Wednesday in Munich. The Nations League final is scheduled for Sunday at the Allianz Arena, the same venue where PSG lifted their Champions League title.
Do you have a story to share? Want to advertise with us? Or perhaps you need publicity for a product, service, or event?
Contact us:WhatsApp: +2348165713606 Email: nationalreports001@gmail.com
We'd love to hear from you!"
