“He wasn’t more effective than the others” – Didier Deschamps justifies lack of Olivier Giroud game time | OneFootball

George Boxall, reporting from Allianz Arena, Munich

The unwanted stat still stands for Didier Deschamps and Les Bleus: France have made it to the semi-finals of Euro 2024 without scoring a single goal from open play. Speaking at a press conference attended by Get French Football News, the France manager has reacted to clamour for France’s highest all-time scorer to see more action. Of course, that man is Olivier Giroud (37), who has only made three appearances off the bench so far.

“He’s come of the bench three times, you know. I have some choices to make. He wasn’t any more effective than the others in the three games he came on. It all depends on the match situation and the opponent. We’re not going to be effective if we only have strikers. We have the chances, but we need to be more effective.”

So far Deschamps has opted for Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani, with the latter involved in France’s late goal against Belgium with a snapshot on goal that was deflected off Jan Vertonghan. Olivier Giroud comes into the tournament after signing for MLS side Los Angeles FC earlier this summer.

GFFN | George Boxall