The manager of France national football team, Didier Deschamps believes that the French national team can cope without the presence of Atletico Madrid’s star player, Antoine Griezmann.
The French international footballer was sidelined from the squad after he picked up a foot injury in the 2-1 victory over Sweden in a World Cup qualifying game last week.
Deschamps stated that Griezmann has truly turned into a world-class talent and is one of the brightest prospects French football has to offer. The Atletico Madrid striker was top scorer in the European Championship that was held earlier this year. The manager still feels confident despite losing the 25-year-old French forward and believes that it is a good opportunity for the other players in the team to impress.
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"Nobody is irreplaceable," told Deschamps in a news conference. "Antoine is very important for us, he made himself essential to this France team. But he is not here.
"I didn't call someone up [to replace him] because it didn't make much sense, just two days before the game. I've already had some changes to make. I am confident with the 22 players available.
Deschamps also hoped that the 25-year-old would soon recover and be available for selection as he is one the most vital players of the team.
"I hope he will be available in the future. The team will be different without him, but even if Antoine is an important and decisive player, there are other players who will have the opportunity to prove themselves."
A win for France on Tuesday will make it 14 victories for the country in a single calendar year making it a new record. Raphael Varane believes that a victory against Ivory Coast will round off a productive year for the national team.
"It's indicative of a good year for the team," said the Real Madrid man. "It's not a goal, but it's a like a little extra. It's what we want, to finish on a positive note, so it will be a little extra. But that is not at all an objective."
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Varane expressed his delight about being able to play at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens once again since the Frenchman grew up close by in Lens.
"For me, it's a lot of emotions, it's a return to my roots," said the 23-year-old, who was born just 28 kilometers away in Lille. "I lived from nine until 18 in Lens, to there'll obviously be a specific emotion.
Although France will be without the services of Griezmann, Deschamps team certainly looks capable of beating Ivory Coast and setting a new record in the process.
(Video Courtesy: KaiiZoFilms YouTube Channel)
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