Didier Deschamps on Jonathan Clauss’ return to the France squad: “He’s playing more regularly with his own qualities as a right-back.”
France national team bossDidier Deschamps has recalled Marseille right-back Jonathan Clauss (31) for the upcoming international break.
The Marseille defender earned his first six international caps last year when Deschamps was trialing a 3-man defense, with Clauss featuring as a right-sided wing-back. With France leaking too many goals before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Deschamps reverted to a more traditional 4-man defense, meaning the former RC Lens player missed out on the tournament.
Deschamps stuck with Jules Koundé and Benjamin Pavard since to play as right-back. However, they both play as centre-backs for their respective clubs, namely FC Barcelona and Inter Milan, which means the right-back position has always been a head-scratcher for Deschamps. However, Clauss’ fine form and consistency in a disjointed Marseille side have caught the eye of the France coaching staff.
Speaking to the media about Clauss’ return to the international squad, Deschamps mentioned that the 31-year-old is now playing as a right-back in a 4-man defense at Gennaro Gattuso’s Marseille rather than as a wing-back in Igor Tudor’s previous set-up. “Through his performances in that position, which was not the same last season and where he’s playing more regularly with his own qualities as a right-back, it means we want to see him back with us.“
When asked if Clauss would feature against The Netherlands or Scotland, Deschamps quipped ironically: “Nah, he’s just going to come, to find the Clairefontaine castle back and have a chat with me. That’s the most important thing.” Deschamps also adds that Pavard would feature more as a centre-back for France from now on. “Between Jules [Koundé] and Benjamin, the one who would play centrally is Benjamin, who
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