‘He does things that I don’t like as much’ – France Manager Didier Deschamps brutally criticises and disrespects William Saliba’s performance for his country as he tells the Arsenal man WHY he’s not starting ahead of Konate, Upamecano

Didier Deschamps has defended William Saliba’s (23) lack of playing time for the France national team while applauding his appearances for Arsenal.

Since the conclusion of his loan at Olympique de Marseille two seasons ago, Saliba has been an Arsenal mainstay under Mikel Arteta.

The Frenchman was named to the PFA Premier League Team of the Year at the end of the previous season, but despite his consistent club-level success, he isn’t receiving a starting spot in the France squad.

Saliba has only earned 12 caps for Les Bleus so far, six of which are from the beginning. He will be looking to earn another cap against Chile on Tuesday after celebrating his 23rd birthday with the France team on Sunday. Deschamps has acknowledged that Saliba might find it challenging to break into the starting lineup in the near future.

“He is doing well this season, but he also does some things that I find objectionable. He doesn’t play much for France, but when he does, it hasn’t always gone well. He is here even though the hierarchy does not currently favor him. William may have had less playing time than Dayot Upamecano. I always make sure to keep going with some players because little obstacles or confidence issues can change. While some people are worry-free, others require gaming time. William isn’t able to be very calm because he hasn’t played as much, according to Deschamps, who made this statement on Monday at a press conference.

Didier Deschamps on William Saliba: "He is having a good season, but he also does things that I don’t like so much. For France, he has limited game time, but when he plays, that hasn’t necessarily gone well. The hierarchy doesn’t favour him at the moment, but he is here. Dayot… pic.twitter.com/jimhWW7seN

— Gunners (@Gunnersc0m) March 25, 2024

Saliba will be optimistic about his chances of being included in the France team for the Euros this summer, but securing a starting position appears to be a difficult feat.