France head coach Didier Deschamps has thrown his support behind Adrien Rabiot after the midfielder was exiled from Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille squad following a heated clash with teammate Jonathan Rowe.
France manager Didier Deschamps has offered a public show of support to Adrien Rabiot as the midfielder faces an uncertain future at Marseille. The 30-year-old World Cup winner was recently frozen out of Roberto De Zerbi’s squad after an ugly training ground altercation with English winger Jonathan Rowe, which led both players to be placed on the transfer list.
Rowe has since completed a move to Bologna, while Rabiot remains in limbo as Marseille’s hierarchy appears unwilling to reintegrate him into the first team. Despite De Zerbi hinting at a possible way back, president Pablo Longoria described the incident as “completely unheard of in the world of football,” hardening the stance against Rabiot.
Speaking ahead of France’s World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Iceland, Deschamps confirmed that Rabiot will still play an important role for Les Bleus and underlined his personal support for the player.
“I spoke with him. I care about Adrien because of what he did with us. It was important to know what state of mind he is in,” Deschamps told reporters. “Even if he made a mistake, I hope there’s a chance to rethink things, that things can get back on track. I never write off people. If I can help solve this problem, I’m ready to do anything — not for the player, but for the person he is.”
For now, Rabiot’s club situation looks bleak, but interest is building in the Premier League. Both Tottenham and Aston Villa have been linked with the midfielder, who could be available for a cut-price deal before the transfer window closes.
While Marseille may have closed the door, international football remains a vital outlet for Rabiot. He is expected to feature when France face Ukraine in Poland on September 5 before hosting Iceland at the Parc des Princes on September 9.
