Language barrier preventing Deschamps from forming close bond with Michael Olise

Michael Olise (23) could have an important role to play for France in the coming months and years. The Bayern Munich forward, who was born and grew up in England, opted to represent Les Bleus, having represented the nation at youth level.

Following his big-money move from Crystal Palace to the Bundesliga in the summer, he earned his first call-up to the national team in September and currently has four caps to his name. He has yet to replicate his club form at international level, however, he may have to if France are going to succeed in the FIFA World Cup in just over one year’s time.

Following Antoine Griezmann’s surprise international retirement in the wake of the September international break, it is thought that Olise will have an essential role to play for Les Bleus. As a result, Deschamps is trying to form a deeper bond with the player, L’Équipe understands.

However, the publication adds that this attempt to form a deeper bond is being made more difficult by the player’s discreetness and also by the language barrier, which became evident during the player’s first press conference as a France player.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle