The tension exploded in the French football village after a dramatic defeat of the national team 5-4 against Spain. The center of the controversy is the confrontation between the legendary Lilian Thuram and the head coach Didier Deschamps. Lilian, a former defender who won the 1998 World Cup, did not hesitate to criticize Deschamps for deciding not to bring his son, Marcus Thuram, on the field in this match. According to Lilian, Marcus, the striker who is playing Inter Milan, may have changed the situation if he was given the opportunity. He argued that Marcus’s attacking play, with the speed and ability to finish, which was what the French team needed to turn the situation before Spain.
Not stopping there, Lilian also targeted a player of Paris Saint-Germain, whom he thought was played under his strength in the match. Although not listing, the harsh criticism of Lilian targeting this player has caused a stir in the public opinion. He described the player’s performance as “irresponsible” and “not worthy of the team shirt”. These statements quickly attracted attention, making the French football community divided. Some supported Lilian, saying that he had the right to protect his son and tell the truth, while others thought he had gone too far when publicly criticized a player.
In response, Didier Deschamps, who is famous for his calm but sharp style, spoke shortly after. In a press conference, Deschamps defended its tactical decision, explaining that the choice of squad based on the specific situation of the match and the performance of the players. He emphasized that Marcus Thuram is still an important part of the team, but the time of the match is not suitable to change the tactics. Regarding criticism against the PSG player, Deschamps did not hesitate to protect the student, confirming that every player devoted himself and no one deserved to be so publicly attacked. He cleverly reminded Lilian that personal criticism did not help the team spirit, and called on solidarity in a difficult time.
Deschamps’ response is considered to be both tough and wise, making Lilian unable to continue arguing. This incident has sparked a lively discussion about the role of former players in commenting on the current team. Some people think that Lilian, as a French football symbol, has the right to express his views, but the way he targets is inappropriate. Meanwhile, Deschamps continues to focus on preparing for the upcoming matches, maintaining its position at public pressure. This scandal will definitely be mentioned in the near future, when the French team continues its journey.
