France head coach Didier Deschamps has suggested that Adrien Rabiot needs to figure out his future at club level.
Over the past few days, there have been a number of different sources claiming that Rabiot’s future is in doubt. Not only did Milan fail to qualify for the Champions League, but his big admirer Massimiliano Allegri was sacked and seems to be Napoli-bound.
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This has led to talk of an immediate reunion between the pair in Naples, even if the Rossoneri are protected by the fact that he signed a multi-year contract, and they will certainly not allow one of their key players leave for a rival without putting up a fight.
Deschamps spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport about a number of different topics, above all the upcoming World Cup which it has already been confirmed will be his last with Les Bleus. He also commented on the future of Rabiot.
The midfield is important for balance, but have you asked Rabiot to clarify his future between Milan and Napoli, so as not to be distracted by the transfer market during the World Cup?
“Telling him wouldn’t change anything. Obviously, the sooner the situation is clarified, the better: but that applies to everyone. Even those who maybe aren’t on the market now and will be later. But I tell everyone that once the World Cup starts, you don’t think about anything else.”
For a top coach like you, is Serie A still an interesting league?
“It’s still among the best leagues in Europe. It’s clear that in my day, Italy was the first choice, and that’s no longer the case today, compared to England, Germany, or Spain. Italian clubs’ results in Europe aren’t good, and I don’t want to get into the national team’s situation.
“But we French have also missed two World Cups in a row, and I experienced that as a player. I’m sad to see institutions like Milan and Juventus out of the Champions League. There must be reasons, of course. But Italy remains Italy, and there are still many top-level players and coaches in Serie A.”
Given your Juventus past, could you imagine coaching another Serie A club?
“I see that in Serie A there are many coaches with histories tied to certain clubs who still go on to coach other teams.”
After 14 years as coach, are you ready to get back into the game right away?
“I have the freedom to choose. I’m not denying myself anything. If I feel I have to stop, I will, like I did after coaching Juventus. Even though I could definitely decide whenever I want, right now I’m only thinking about the World Cup.”
“Demise” – right on.