Didier Deschamps has defended the French national team’s handling of Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué following criticism from PSG. Both players sustained injuries during France’s World Cup qualifier win over Ukraine. PSG accused the national setup of ignoring prior medical warnings.
Deschamps expressed deep disappointment over the injuries and emphasized that his staff acted with care and professionalism. They monitored both players closely and adjusted their workloads based on fitness levels. Despite the conflict, he reiterated that PSG is a partner, not a rival, and said the team is now focused on its next match against Iceland.
In response, PSG demanded a more transparent and coordinated medical protocol. Club officials said they provided detailed fitness reports before the national team camp. They raised concerns over what they viewed as poor follow-up communication.
He clarified that he and his staff thoroughly reviewed all medical information before allowing the players to train and compete. He stood by his decisions and took full responsibility for player selection and match readiness.
Deschamps also rejected the idea of avoiding PSG players in future call-ups. Deschamps called such a move unrealistic and joked that it would only invite complaints from other top clubs. For him, selection is always based on performance—not on club affiliations.
Several players backed their coach publicly. Aurelien Tchouaméni acknowledged the unfortunate timing of the injuries but reminded the media that injuries are a reality in football. He commended Deschamps for consistently prioritizing player well-being.
Dembélé will miss about six weeks and is set to sit out PSG’s Champions League opener against Atalanta. Doué faces a shorter recovery period of four weeks. Their absence now adds pressure to PSG’s preparations for the European campaign.
Despite the fallout, Deschamps urged both camps to stay focused on shared goals. He emphasized that national and club teams ultimately want the same thing: healthy players and success on the pitch. With confidence in his approach, Deschamps continues to lead France into the next round of qualifiers.
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