The French national team has been performing well in the competition, but one player has been struggling to find opportunities. Rayan Cherki, a former Lyon star, has not started a game yet and has only played a combined 51 minutes in his country's four matches. He came off the bench in the latest match against Sweden, playing alongside Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta for the final five minutes.
After the game, a notable incident occurred between Cherki and his manager, Didier Deschamps. As Deschamps approached Cherki on the pitch, the player appeared to snub him, waving to the crowd instead. When Deschamps reached out to him, Cherki seemed to brush his hand away, and then leaned down to tie his boot, shifting away from his manager. This incident has raised questions about the relationship between Cherki and Deschamps.
Despite this incident, Deschamps highlighted the unity within the squad as a key factor in their success. He praised the team's collective strength, saying it is essential for their performance. This was evident when Kylian Mbappe scored his first goal and immediately went to hug Deschamps, followed by his teammates. This moment showed the strong bond between the players and their manager, who had recently returned to the team after a personal loss.
Deschamps emphasized the importance of teamwork and unity in his post-match press conference. He stated that everyone is involved and working together, which is a positive aspect of the team's dynamics. He also expressed his pride in the team's performance and encouraged them to maintain their collective strength. The incident with Cherki, however, has sparked speculation about the player's future role in the team.
Deschamps also commented on Mbappe's gesture, saying it touched him deeply on a personal level. He appreciated the team's support during his absence and acknowledged that the team spirit is crucial in winning matches. While individual players may have frustrations, Deschamps emphasized that the collective strength of the team is paramount. This approach has been key to the team's success so far, but the incident with Cherki may indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed.
