Payet’s mother angry after son snubbed on television
Paris. France coach Didier Deschamps has faced criticism for not personally informing Marseille forward Dimitri Payet he would not be going to the World Cup -- from the player’s mother.
Asked on TF1’s Telefoot show if her son had been personally informed by Deschamps that he was not part of the plans for Russia 2018, she replied: “No. He found out watching on television like everyone else, with the family.”
Deschamps said the failure to call the forward, who had been prominent in the Euro 2016 campaign, had been a logistical one.
“I had a list of 23 players to deliver and many things to do so with the limited time I had, unhappily for Dimitri Payet I didn’t get round to it,” the coach explained.
Payet was far from alone as Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, Manchester United forward Anthony Martial and Arsenal’s Alexander Lacazette were all left off a multi-talented roster.
Antoine Griezmann will lead France’s attack, most likely alongside Kylian Mbappe or Olivier Giroud. Strikers Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona), Nabil Fekir (Lyon) and Florian Thauvin (Marseille) all provide solid back-up options.
Meanwhile;Top Italian FA official Alessandro Costacurta on Sunday welcomed Roberto Mancini’s decision to recall Nice striker Mario Balotelli as the new Italy coach promised a “rebirth” of the national side.
Balotelli, who has not played since Italy’s humiliating group-stage exit from the 2014 World Cup, has been recalled by Mancini for three upcoming friendlies.
And Costacurta said Balotelli’s form at Nice had warranted him being given another a chance.
“Becoming a parent does change you and nobody can attest that more than Mancini,” said the former AC Milan defender and current federation deputy commissioner.
“I think Balotelli’s performances on the field were worthy of a call-up.”
Balotelli -- who Mancini coached at both Inter Milan and Manchester City -- has scored 13 goals in 33 appearances for the Azzurri but had been overlooked due to behavioural issues.
Mancini took over last Monday, six months after Gian Piero Ventura was sacked following Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup in Russia, and takes charge of his first game against Saudi Arabia in St Gallen, Switzerland on May 28. (AFP)
