Didier Deschamps said that Adrien Rabiot has made a ‘huge mistake’ after the PSG midfielder asked to be removed from France’s standby list for the World Cup.
The 23-year old made the request after being left out of France’s 23-man squad in favour of Sevilla midfielder Steven N’Zonzi.
Rabiot was expected to follow a training schedule in order to remain fit in case anyone dropped out of the squad, but instead he reportedly sent Deschamps an email asking to be withdrawn from the standby list.
Deschamps said he was surprised by the young midfielder’s move.
“It was an email that arrived Monday late afternoon,” said the France coach. “I became aware of its content. Of course, Adrien signed it.”
“I called him to have a confirmation that it was he who had sent this email. He did not answer me. I got confirmation from my manager.
“In the process, I warned my president of the content. I also warned the president of PSG because he is a PSG player.
“I was surprised of course. I can understand the disappointment, the immense disappointment, but to take such a position … we are talking about a young player who for a while was in the French group. He has excluded himself from the team.
“I hope that through some decisions like this it will allow him to mature, to reflect. I am convinced that he made a huge mistake in taking such a position.
“He refuses his status as a reserve, to follow a programme, and if there was a problem of being called as a substitute. It is his decision.”
President of the France Football Federation Noel le Graet said he was was also shocked by Rabiot’s move.
“Rabiot is a top-quality player and an endearing character who has always behaved well in national teams.
“His disappointment does not allow him to give up and not to serve the France team. To be part of the collective of France, to be among the best French players, is a chance and a privilege in the career of a player.
“He made a bad decision. He is penalising himself and hurting only himself.”
