Manchester United defender and French international Patrice Evra has been excluded from the squad of Les Bleus ahead of the France vs Brazil friendly—on Wednesday, February 9.
Evra underwent a 5-match ban following his bad behaviour at the 2010 World Cup, but now that he is eligible to feature in his country’s international matches again, France coach Laurent Blanc has counted him out of his squad for the game against Brazil at the Stade de France. According to Blanc himself, his decision has nothing to do with anything personal.
"It is a sporting choice, and only a sporting choice. There’s a lot of competition for places in that position (in defence).
"Patrice Evra's suspension is over, so he’s available again. It is perhaps the position where we have the most competition, with players who are playing in very, very big clubs."
Barcelona’s Eric Abidal and Arsenal’s Gael Clichy rather got the French coach’s favour; yet in any case, Evra’s omission certainly pleases French sports minister Chantal Jouanno, who believes the Manchester United talisman does not deserve to play for Les Bleus anymore. Her opinion nonetheless collides with Laurent Blanc’s, as the manager is not ready to look into the past and keep in mind Evra’s deeds at the World Cup.
“You should always be wary of having such marked views,” Blanc stated. “I am not inclined to this way of thinking. We all know that their behaviour — and not just Patrice Evra, but the 23 players who were there — was bad. But the suspensions have been served now.”
He added: “Everyone wants to play against Brazil. There will be some who are satisfied, and some who are disappointed. [...]Brazil is one of the two best teams in the world, so it’s going to be very difficult.”
"It is a sporting choice, and only a sporting choice. There’s a lot of competition for places in that position (in defence).
"Patrice Evra's suspension is over, so he’s available again. It is perhaps the position where we have the most competition, with players who are playing in very, very big clubs."
Barcelona’s Eric Abidal and Arsenal’s Gael Clichy rather got the French coach’s favour; yet in any case, Evra’s omission certainly pleases French sports minister Chantal Jouanno, who believes the Manchester United talisman does not deserve to play for Les Bleus anymore. Her opinion nonetheless collides with Laurent Blanc’s, as the manager is not ready to look into the past and keep in mind Evra’s deeds at the World Cup.
“You should always be wary of having such marked views,” Blanc stated. “I am not inclined to this way of thinking. We all know that their behaviour — and not just Patrice Evra, but the 23 players who were there — was bad. But the suspensions have been served now.”
He added: “Everyone wants to play against Brazil. There will be some who are satisfied, and some who are disappointed. [...]Brazil is one of the two best teams in the world, so it’s going to be very difficult.”
