Speaking to RMC Sport in the wake of France’s win over Denmark last night, midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni notably commented on reports from earlier in the day that the atmosphere around the squad was “freer and more relaxed” in the absence of Karim Benzema.
The Real Madrid striker had been called up by Didier Deschamps for the tournament but withdrew days before the opening group stage match after picking up an injury in his first full training session.
After L’Équipe indicated that those in the France squad were intimidated by Benzema’s personality, his Real Madrid teammate has denied that the team was feeling better now that the Ballon d’Or winner was gone.
Tchouaméni rubbished the reports was “completely false”, and that “even when he was here things were going really well”.
France’s win means they are the first team to qualify for the knockout rounds, with Kylian Mbappé scoring a double to take his tally for the tournament to three.
GFFN | Raphaël Jucobin
emilyToo
0
Benzema is a striker with a lot of target so is always hard for a striker to make games. Look at Richarlison who made fewer touch in the first half became the main man cos of his accurate strikes not the game he makes. Strikers hardly make game my brother they always wait to strike that's the job
yunabepstz
3
Jazbdklpyz
1
This reminds me of the great Eric Cantona who was sidelined by then French coach Aime Jacquet in one of the World Cup when he was actually at the top of his game
Boueknosty
2
no, big benzii is a fighter..
famouskesh
3
Camavinga hand work
Subhomadridista
3
If you say so. They not my fav
I also don't hate anybody just saying facts
yupbcoruz
4
If Benzema was there everyone would have to hide their phone. Blackmail specialist ready to score a quick payment
Potterjrn
4
he offers much more than Giroud
If you say so. They not my fav
Americapeople
6
If benzema was there it will be the same thing, it not like benzema is a playmaker. No Hate! Don’t come and say rubbish in my comment section 😂
You know nothing about football or should i say you just hate Real Madrid players. Benzema is a deep lying playmaker. He's a no.9 but track back to build up play. He's not even a natural ST. Leave hatred aside and analyze football kid, thank you!
Subhomadridista
6
If benzema was there it will be the same thing, it not like benzema is a playmaker. No Hate! Don’t come and say rubbish in my comment section 😂
he offers much more than Giroud
Potterjrn
3
If benzema was there it will be the same thing, it not like benzema is a playmaker. No Hate! Don’t come and say rubbish in my comment section 😂
1barcaspurs
3
they win the WC without him