Inter Milan defender Benjamin Pavard has opened up on Didier Deschamps’ decision to omit him from his France squad this month.
During his recent interview with GQ France, as reported by FCInterNews, Pavard stated he respects Deschamps’ choice.
Benjamin Pavard has become an indispensable piece of Simone Inzaghi’s defensive set-up at Giuseppe Meazza.
Since joining the club from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023, he’s been outstanding.
Pavard forged a formidable defensive partnership with Alessandro Bastoni and Francesco Acerbi last season.
Indeed, the standout trio, backed up by Yann Sommer in goal, conceded just 22 times in Serie A in 2023/24.
However, Inter have been vulnerable this term, capitulating 13 times in the first 11 rounds.
On top of that, the 28-year-old has often traded places with Yann Bisseck in the starting line-up.
That could be one of the reasons for his omission.
Inter Milan Star Benjamin Pavard on Didier Deschamps Snubbing Him for France
“I always respect the coach’s choices; he’s the boss,” Pavard said.
“But it’s definitely strange because, since November 2017. I’ve almost always been called up to the French team, except for injury and Covid.
“I had the chance to recharge and spend a few days with my girlfriend, so I enjoyed that time a lot.
“But I’m not giving up; I keep working to get called up again.
“He’s the one who instilled the desire to win in me, and I still want to win with him,” Pavard added.
Despite his recent omissions, the Inter star continues to follow his country’s matches.
“Of course, I saw the two matches against Israel and Belgium: two wins, six points,” he confirmed.
“That’s what we wanted. Watching on TV, I’m a big supporter of the French team.”
He regrets not being called up despite a packed fixture schedule.
“Not necessarily, because I still aspire to play for France.
“There’s nothing more beautiful than representing your country and singing the ‘Marseillaise’ before a game.
“It’s an emotion I’ve had since I was young, watching Les Bleus on TV, and it still gives me chills today.
“I would rather be on the French team than resting, but it’s still nice, mentally and physically, to recharge with loved ones.”
Inter Milan Ace Benjamin Pavard Comments on His Life in Itay
“It’s completely different compared to Germany. We work a lot, both tactically and physically,” Pavard maintained.
“We played in Empoli and arrived very late. The coach continued the day’s training, which was quite physical.
“We run a lot, with and without the ball. Plus, I just received my data: I ran 6.1 km.”
Pavard insists he hasn’t changed his habits in Italy.
“No, I’ve always placed great importance on recovery, and I’m used to doing cryotherapy, cold baths, massages, and stretching.
“When I was at Bayern Munich, I often took a cold bath at home after returning from a trip.
“But recovery also includes what you eat when you get home, how you hydrate, and how you sleep.
“This afternoon, for example, I’ll take some time to do twenty or thirty minutes of stretching.
“I’m only twenty-eight, the perfect age for my sport – not too young, not too old – but I have to pay attention to all of this as I get to know my body better.
“Given the number of matches, we have to be even more careful and as professional as possible to avoid injuries.
“I returned to training later this summer due to the Euros, but now I feel better physically and am very confident for the rest of the season.
“We have a coach who involves all his players.
“I’m a player who needs to play to find my rhythm.”