The absence of Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema from the France squad may be seen as counterproductive by some, particularly given his form in the last couple of seasons, but Los Blancos teammate and compatriot Raphael Varane did not want to discuss the matter in too much detail.
Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane recently stated that he believes, purely in a footballing sense, that Benzema should be in Les Bleus' squad, but current France head coach Didier Deschamps refused to add any weight to those comments.
"I don't have a problem with him saying that," Deschamps said in relation to Zidane's comments.
"He is the coach of Real Madrid, so his role is to talk like that."
Varane, meanwhile, was hesitant about getting involved in the debate.
"There is no taboo subject," Varane responded when questioned about whether Benzema should be in the France squad in Les Bleus' pre-match press conference.
"I've been asked the same question in the press room for a long time. I'm not going to add anything else."
nonnrsuyz
426
It seems to be taboo to talk about Benzema issue in French football. Didier should come in the open and say he has no muscle as head coach to make a decision. The FA boss seems to have taken it personal to exclude Benzema from the squad. And Didier is dead scared of the boss if he calls him back. For how long can you punish a fellow citizen eh over an opinion? Come on Didy. My observation and opinion.
Benosky1
357
All in the name of tryna remove Giroud as striker as he never scored or assisted in the world cup but they won[Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
PSGFFL
163
France football is tripping. How do you not select one of the best strikers in the world and honestly best French striker? In my opinion Bezema should play. This is what kills me with the french, too much politics, too many feelings involved. They already cost themselves the European cup and almost cost themselves the world cup. Everyone knows if Benzema had played against Portugal they would have won. Us French get too much in our feelings and tend to hold grudges. It's time to forgive and forget.