Griezmann 'must do more', says Deschamps

Didier Deschamps said Antoine Griezmann's place in the France team was not under threat ahead of its clash with Peru.

Published : Jun 17, 2018 22:20 IST

Didier Deschamps called upon Antoine Griezmann to "do more" after his performance against Australia but rejected suggestions that the France forward's place in his starting line-up is under threat.

Griezmann scored France's opening goal from the penalty spot after VAR was used to award the kick, and a late own-goal by Aziz Behich ensured Les Bleus claimed all three points after Mile Jedinak's equaliser for Australia.

Atletico Madrid forward Griezmann was replaced after 70 minutes, making way for Olivier Giroud, but Deschamps dismissed the suggestion that his place was under threat.

'Antoine our attacking leader'

"However, he was perhaps a little short of his best, too."

When asked whether Griezmann might not feature in his starting line-up for France's forthcoming Group C game against Peru, Deschamps replied: "No, no, but he must do more.

"He knows it and he is aware of it.

"It does not matter which players are left out - they are never happy. But there are also those who come in."

Deschamps said he was happy with the contribution of second-half substitutes Nabil Fekir and Blaise Matuidi along with Giroud, who is competing for Griezmann's place directly.

"From one match to another it can evolve," said Deschamps. "Olivier, he has been with us for a while, he has an efficiency that is very good.

"I made a different choice: he was disappointed too. But the way he transformed his disappointment with his entry is what matters.

"Of the three substitutes of yesterday, they brought what I expected from a guy coming off the bench."

"Antoine is Antoine: he is our attacking leader and he will remain our leader of attack," Deschamps told Telefoot.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment