France coach Dider Deschamps has denied contacting Barcelona over Ousmane Dembele’s poor time-keeping – but admits he is unimpressed by the forward’s professionalism.
Only last week, Dembele went seemingly AWOL from Barcelona until belatedly informing the club he was too sick to attend training.
It is not the first time the 21-year-old has come under fire for his behaviour and Deschamps has taken particular issue with his tardiness.
“I know his excuses when he arrives late,” Deschamps said ahead of France’s meeting with Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League.
“In his defence he will say: ‘I am not the only one.’
“Ousmane has a bit of a habit of being late.
“Whether for his club or in the French national team, he should be a little more attentive to the things that are part of the day-to-day life of an elite-level footballer.
“He is a young player and I do not lose hope that he will realise all these aspects.
“They are situations he keeps repeating, but the sooner he avoids them, the better it will be for everyone.”
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La liste des 23 de l’#equipedefrance est tombé Dider Deschamps à fait ses choix 🇫🇷 #FRA pic.twitter.com/DDWzcczy7o
Dembele has been called up despite Deschamps’ frustration and his dwindling minutes at Barca, having not been included in the squad that lost to Real Betis last weekend.
But when asked about contacting Barca over Dembele’s issues, Deschamps added: “I don’t interfere in the day to day running of the clubs.
“It’s up to them to manage the players as they see fit.”
