‘ABSOLUTELY ATROCRIOUS’ 🔊 Steve Nicol blasts Deschamps for criticism of Saliba | ESPN FC 

As a frenchman I think he has personal problem with Saliba

When Steve Nichol is passionately defending an Arsenal player you know something is seriously wrong

Jules defending DD for throwing a player under the bus is laughable when you’ve seen his reaction to Mourinho doing similar.

Saliba and Konate are elite, whether Deschamps can unlock their potential together or not is another question

I think he just don't like Saliba which is really sad to see.

I agree. Seems so odd that he would criticize Saliba in public. It seems unprofessional and unfair. Deschamps should know better.

Dechamps time has passed. He should give way for Zizzou. Saliba is top 5 defender in the World.

Im an Arsenal fan and the France Manager is an experienced world cup winner so if he doesn't want Saliba to play ut fine, But to insult Saliba is absolutely unnecessary

You can always Count on France to create drama just before a big tournament 😂

Saliba is one of the best defenders on The planet 🌎 even Stevie Wonder can see that !!!!!!!!

If I was Saliba,I will do a Ben White.

Konate and Saliba compliment each other so well

Deschamps doesn’t deserve Saliba just like Southgate doesn’t deserve white

DD will call out Saliba but not Upamecano who.... bruh, im french, Upa should have probably been sent off in the WC against England with foul on Saka and has made some catastrophic errors this season for Bayern. DD did the same S when he didnt want to start Umtiti and Varane together and insisted on Koscielny (with his perpensity to fall to the ground in important monents) being in there

Finally, there is someone criticising this Didder Deschamps guy. But our Saliba proved himself today, so happy for him.

to slate Saliba then play Upamecano is absolute comedy

Public criticism of ANY international player for me is unacceptable. How does Deschamps think he will get Saliba on his side with daft comments like he has made. Saliba is a truly class player and should be the future of French football, end of story.

Wow. 8 minute video, over 100 comments and barely a mention of Chile 🇨🇱. The young Osorio, new coach Gareca and Chile’s return to attacking football all ignored.

Really personal attack. If you don’t like the player that’s fine .. directed attack without doing anything bad per se is a bit much

Right or wrong (imo, wrong ...but whatever), I just feel bad for Saliba. He clearly works hard and is greatly appreciated by his team and Arsenal fans but he hasn't had the smoothest road in his Int. career. How is hearing this prior to making a rare start for his country supposed to make him perform to his usual standard? Surely hearing something like this from your coach and a legend in France would make you self conscious and unnecessarily nervous. He deserves respect and support or, at the very least, private disapproval - not a public declaration of his perceived faults.

Hey if they don’t want Arsenal players to go to international duty don’t call them up, no need to blast them for nothing, better for the club if they don’t go, means they don’t risk an injury

he did something similar with benzema too

Almost the same thing happened with Laporte & Le Normand they didn’t even get selected😅. Saliba is world class he deserve to be ahead of Upamecano 100%

Champions league final …..Arsenal vs PSG…..Saliba pockets Mbappe……asr 2-0 psg …in ur face Deschamp …🎉🎉🎉

Saliba is a strong lad.... He is not losing sleep over Deschamps comments or confidence.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen Upamecano have a good game but he seems to be the 1st defender on the team sheet

As a chili fan I was quite surprised to see how competitive they were against France. Gareca has gotten this team from completely lost to competitive in a short amount of time and with some quality players still to come back.

I think time for Deschamps to resign from his position, he’s very rude and killed Saliba confidence.

I watch espn fc nearly everyday. Could you please consider covering conmebol teams a bit more often? Thanks

as a madrista watching mbappe was weird not helping defensively not getting the ball nor creating chances 1st half he was at the left side 2nd half his at the middle he was lost never watched arsenal games didn't knew who w.saliba was but tonight that guy was really good at defense

Huge overreaction of this story and ESPN loves that. 1. Deschamps did not come out and say this on his own, questions were asked 2. Saliba has not been good with France. Fantastic with AFC, but still searching for a big game for France. This is purely and simply a manager trying to motivate a player. Deschamps actually took some of the blame for Saliba’s not having a huge game in the national team by saying “it’s partially my fault because he is playing mostly when the whole team changes”. They don’t want to talk about that. It’s very clearly his way of saying “we expect more from him”, absolutely not negative at all!

What is De Schamps talking about? If there's one defender you don't criticize, it's William Saliba. Saliba doesn't deserve this. He's such a humble guy and gives his all.

Deschamp will be disappointed with himself after watching saliba masterclass against city

Choosing upamecano over saliba is just criminal tbh

He definitely rates Upamecano over Saliba and it speaks alot of him as a manager.

Deschamps ego is crazy. Bunch of players with issues involving him

Euros will be very exciting with all of this uncertainty

Bring Zidane in now so he has time with the squad before the euros.

Saliba was MOTM vs both Liverpool and City in their stadiums. Saliba has pocketed both Mbappe and Håland. We know what Upamecano did vs City last season. He got 2 red cards in a row this season. Saliba and Konate complement each other because Saliba is composed like VVD and Konate is a bit aggressive like Gabriel. Deschamps is probably getting arrogant or doesn’t rate Saliba and that’s fine but to criticise your players who have not done any mistakes is very rude and unprofessional for a manager at this level.

Thing with Deschamps is he doesn't like to be proved wrong so his ego is so inflated that even if a good player like Saliba is pushing for a start he would rather bench him all because he doesn't want to be proved weak in the media. Ego before football is usually the start of the end of a manager's tenure.

No wonder why Benzema called Dechamps a coward😂

Deschamps has had incredible success with France but he is nowhere near Arteta tactically, the things he says he doesn't like anout Saliba are due to him being limited as a tactician

Well done lads for sticking up for a great young centre back.

Saliba knows that he is the future. DD knows that he is the past. Therein lies the answer...

Deschamps is tough and usually focuses more on the team spirit and atmosphere than on individual performance. It was wrong to make it public, but maybe our Brits friends should learn from him if they want to win a tournament at some point... 3 finals in the last 4 major tournaments is something!

All these failed manager and so called football pundit critized world cup winning manager lmao. For the good of saliba? Descamp works for the good of france national team not for epl players.

Not surprised.But for Deschamps,Theo Hernandez could have been a world cup winner.Only Deschamps understands Deschamps.

Deschamps should send Saliba out on loan, he'll come back a beast! 😅

Didier Deschamps Is A Great Manager , But He Does Alot Of Favoritism Which Is Very Unprofessional Sad But Truth!

Deschamps can't coach, he's lucky to have such luxury players and still can't produce quality football!!! 😂😂😂😂

What did dd say?

Stevie is 100% correct

Saliba did well today

I noticed thet Deschamps does not totally build confidence on players that were great in a different league but not on their national team. It is highly recommended and a MUST for Real Madrid management, board of directors, coaching staff, people working in their club who are involved on the transfer-market to permanently sell who are currently out on loan to play for another football club, do not offer a loan with buy back clause or with a number or percentage rights, recall or return players that are currently on-loan by another football club to play for Real Madrid, ageing ((28) years old and above), inconsistent (due to limited playing time, never have played and always on the bench, poor defensively, not performing well), injury prone, those who are not comfortable playing in different position, that MUST happen on or before July 2027. We are referring to Modric, Kroos, José Ignacio Fernández Iglesias "Nacho", José Luis Mato Sanmartín "Joselu", Vasquez, Daniel Carvajal Ramos "Dani Carvajal", Courtois, Alaba, Rudiger, Arrizabalaga, Mendy, Daniel Ceballos Fernández "Dani Ceballos" Jesús Vallejo Lázaro "Jesus Vallejo", Francisco José García Torres "Fran Garcia", Diaz, Juan Miguel Latasa Fernández "Juanmi Latasa", Reinier Jesus Carvalho "Reinier", Rafael Marín Zamora "Rafa Marin", Nicolás "Nico" Paz Martínez, & Arda Guler. Once they get sold these are the players should be sign based on their positions on or before July 2027. Right Back: Jesus Fortea, Malo Gusto Left Back: Alphonso Davies, Miguel Gutierrez Centre Back: William Saliba, Leny Yoro, Dean Huijsen Main Striker: Kylian Mbappe Lastly Real Madrid must never offer a contract to these players for a RIGHT BACK position, that are inconsistent, poor defensively, has disadvantage of height and strength (lacks muscles), proven already that unable to stop wingers/strikers in different leagues, injury-prone, has beyond 60 million euro's transfer-market value, and ageing 27 years old and above, and turning 27 years old and above on year 2027. We are referring to Walker (33), Trippier (33), Di Lorenzo (30), Cancelo (29), Dumfries (27), Mazraoui (26), Wan-Bissaka (26), White (26), Hakimi (25), Alexander-Arnold (25), Dalot (24), Porro (24), James (24), Frimpong (23), Couto (21), Sanchez (20) and Fresneda (19).

Didier is a world cup winner .. as a player and manager but to play upemacano above saliba is absolutely crazy ...

I guess Nicol is knowing better French players than Deschamps does.😅Saliba is very good in PL but not delivered at International level yet. I'm pretty sure Deschamps wants to shake Saliba than hurt him. Some managers are cajoling their players (like Southgate) others are very demanding. Deschamps settled the duo Konate-Upamecano but Saliba could well play with one of both.

I don’t understand if you don’t like a player why do you call him to the national team then? 🤷🏽‍♀️

France has been blessed with quality talent over the years, it's like they have a factory constantly supplying top notch footballers and that's why they have been dominant in world football for quite some time, nevertheless , the achilles heel in French football has been petty politics.

Your integrity is just defending your pals? Disgraceful. Call it for what it is.

Euros seems wide open.

That fact he can see things wrong with Saliba, but not with the error prone Upemecano is a joke.

Deschamps is rapidly approaching the same end Yogi Lowe had for germany. Its clear time has passed him from his tactical stubbornness. This kind of result against Chile wouldve been worrying back in 2016 when they were actually a strong side. Having this result now is borderline alarm bells

Credit where credit's due. Steve Nicol spitting fax!

First time in a long time me and Stevie agree on anything

I watched the Chile game, Saliba didn’t do anything to warrant that kind of reaction from Deschamps. So if that’s still his opinion it’s wild Both goals conceded were the midfields fault, Saliba looked good but Frances midfield that night could be got at. Saliba and Konate are unbelievable talents, it’s France’s midfield that needs an assessment

Frank is spot on regarding Les Bleus midfield. Overall they were so lethargic, maybe they're taking the friendly not too serious. Saliba Konate is a good combo. Mbappe was not in the mood where as Kolo Muani was electric. If you've been watching France for a long time that spark plug player like Grizou is missing big time. Chile played well, always nice to see Alexis. I'd be surprised if France will make it to Quarters let alone the Final. Allez Les Bleus!

Is not Deschamps fault he has so many players to choose from.Among these current defenders Saliba is the best or second best in all stats.Funny how I wish he was English.Manu is going to start at Eurose for England..............❤❤❤❤

Same with benzema case.

When you too jealous of someone else, you will always find some teeny tiny problem from that person and criticise it.

i mean saliba has been world class for arsenal, stevie’s right criticizing one of your players publicly is just wrong.

Frank has deschamps’ phone number. Call him!

Nicol was a world class CB in the 80's and knows a thing or to about defenders.

Steve is right hope the Arsenal club call someone even Saliba n tell him are you strong enough to endure this even not “we” would advise you u to take a break from the national team cuz tf man I’m not saying French gotta pick Saliba don’t even give him a second but u got no right to talk about him like that

Tbh Konate is the best French cb. The duo Konate - Upamecano has been playing very well for France for many matches while Saliba in his previous performances for France was a bit shaky. Sometimes you can play well at club level but not fit into the national team due to different system and tactic of managers. Saliba played well tonight but Konate - Saliba duo def needs more playing time together to improve their communication on the pitch

Deschamps and Southgate belong together

Saliba refusing to stay in Marseille has everything to do with Didier animosity’s toward him. To play an average Pavard in CB position is mental when you have that many proper CB’s for France. As far as Arsenal is concerned, we will be okay with him to rest in the summer for next season, same as Ben to be honest.

Is this how they motivate players ahead of big games?

Let him go then

Had it got something to do with the video of saliba and he's team mate ????

I do not see Deschamps making it to the WC. Despite winning the championship, he is overly conservative in his tactics and publicly criticising one of the best CB’s in the world only points to his weaknesses, not Saliba’s.

Let's see all gooners gather here for Saliba 🔴⚪

These guys have never even considered that maybe, just maybe, Deschamps doesn't rate the Premier League like they do.

that's absolutely disgraceful bashing on him like that to the media see now that's a solid reason why you say no to your country because that's bad that , the lads answering the call to represent and you get the manager just taking swipes at him to the media ..do yourself a favour Saliba don't even play fir France

Midfield look slow from he highlight

Im not even an Arsenal fan but Saliba is up there with VVD

It full time zindane take over the team... deschamps coaching cost France the last world cup

Today am with Steve

France has benn every final since dd he has right to say who should play

All for Deschamps not playing Saliba . Wish more international managers wouldn’t play any Arsenal players , let them focus on their clubs . You know the clubs who pay their wages

Lmao as if lego head was gonna call Didier Deschamps and tell him how to do his job

The real Saliba was probably the slow and ponderous one that we saw on loan at Marseille, the one that these lazy ESPN pundits never watched, where he was basically a bit of a liability. It seems that you can never know what you will actually be getting when you take Arteta players away from the influence of his Spanish doctors. Deschamps has been around, including in Italy, and he certainly knows what goes on behind closed doors in certain clubs, to enhance speed, strength, concentration and energy levels.

Don't know why he pinpoint Saliba (probably our best CB). Defensively we are weaker than previous versions of the team overall.

CB starters should be Konate and Saliba. Upemecano to error prone

Think he actually made those comments before the game, which in some ways is worse

He's probably a Chelsea, Man u, or Liverpool fan 😂

Saliba and Konate should be starting. I dont know how upamecano is ahead of them.

I don't see any problem with Deschamps.the problem people likes hypocrisy, when someone says the truth, you want him to be romantic .. he didn't say he is bad player,. People forget even Arteta didn't want him at the begining, and argue and he was shipped out to Marseille.

So this guy wants to speak for Deschamps?.... Mxieew

It's time for him to go coz Zidane is waiting for the coaching position.

Deschamps doesn't like Saliba. Additionally, France needs a better 6 or DM/Cm.