Deschamps on Benzema's return: “The team is above everything”

The French coach, Didier Deschamps pointed out this Friday that forward Karim Benzema has “naturally” joined the group and he stressed that he made the decision to make him come back convinced that there would be no problems.

“I mean it with all sincerity. He has been with most of those players in this jersey or in a club. He has had the opportunity to speak with them. There is no news. If I made this decision, it is because I appreciated that in that sense there was no problem “, he said in an interview on the BFM TV channel.

Deschamps pointed out that the return of the Real Madrid player after five and a half years of absence occurs because “the team is above all” and he claims to have always acted in favor of the collective interest.

Benzema reappeared with the “bleus” last Wednesday in a friendly against Wales in preparation for the European Championship, which France beat 3-0 and in which the player missed a penalty in the 25th minute.

“That match ended a first week with a heavy workload. (…) The opponent was very determined. We are in the second part of the preparation. We have positive responses, but we have to improve things. That happens through many exchanges and repetitions in training, “said the coach.

Deschamps is aware that France is one of the favorites, but asks his players not to accommodate: “In 2014, when Germany eliminated us, it was tough. You have to do everything to get to the top. After all, football is not an exact science.”

After a new friendly with Bulgaria this coming Tuesday, the French team will debut on June 15 against Germany at the European Championship in a difficult group that also includes Hungary and Portugal.

“Beyond individual quality, collective strength is above all. Other ingredients will also be necessary: ​​courage, determination, “added the coach, according to which his players are already in” competition mode. “