Didier Deschamps has admitted the French national team hierarchy “doesn’t favour” William Saliba, as he offered a blunt assessment of the Arsenal defender’s international struggles.
Saliba has had another strong season for the Gunners, forming a superb centre-back partnership with Gabriel to provide the foundation for Arsenal’s latest Premier League title bid.
It was the Frenchman’s injury last term that played a significant role in the Gunners falling short in the title race, but they will be hoping to go the distance this time and Mikel Arteta’s side sit top of the table on goal difference with ten matches remaining.
However, despite the 23-year-old’s consistently impressive displays for his club, Saliba has struggled to make an impression at international level, with France boss Deschamps yet to be convinced.
The likes of Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konate and Benjamin Pavard have all been preferred at centre-back, meaning Saliba has started just two of his country’s last 18 matches. He was an unused substitute in France’s friendly defeat to Germany on Saturday.
Saliba is running out of time to make his case ahead of this summer’s European Championship, as Deschamps made it clear he has concerns when it comes to picking the defender.
“He is having a good season, but he also does things that I don't like so much,” Deschamps said on Monday.
“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 Upamecano has had game time and perhaps William has had less.
“With certain players, I make sure to persevere, because it can be confidence or little blockages that can shift.
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“Some don't have any concerns, some need game time. William has had less game time, so that doesn't allow him to be very calm.”