France attacker ‘scarred’ by Euro 2024 treatment from Deschamps, considering retirement: Reports
France's Kingsley Coman is reportedly considering quitting international football following a frustrating Euro 2024 campaign where he lacked game time under Didier Deschamps. Les Bleus endured a mostly miserable campaign in Germany and crashed out in the semifinals to eventual winners Spain.
L'Equipe reports that Coman, 28, is considering his future at international level due to his limited first-team opportunities. He made just one 15-minute cameo appearance throughout the competition, with Deschamps preferring Bradley Barcola, 21, over the Bayern Munich man.
Coman came on in the latter stages of France's 0-0 draw with the Netherlands in the group stages. His struggles for consistent minutes have frustrated him and made him consider his international future.
The report claims that Coman has been left 'scarred' by his experience at Euro 2024. If he doesn't receive more game time under Deschamps, he is contemplating international retirement to concentrate on club football.
Coman debuted for France in November 2015, aged 19, under Deschamps. He's since earned 57 caps for Les Bleus, posting eight goals and five assists.
The former Paris Saint-Germain attacker struggled for game time at Bayern last season due to injury issues. He made 27 appearances across competitions, and his place in the Bavarians' squad could be further at risk following Michael Olise's arrival from Crystal Palace.
Michael Olise could be Kingsley Coman's replacement for France post-Euro 2024
France will look to bounce back from their Euro 2024 disappointment with the 2026 FIFA World Cup in two years. Deschamps can bleed new talent into his squad during the upcoming UEFA Nations League.
One of those may be Olise, 22, who has just arrived at Bayern from Palace. Many were surprised the exciting London-born winger missed out on a place in Deschamps' squad for Euro 2024.
RMC Sport reports that Olise, Bayern forward Mathys Tel, 19, Rennes midfielder Desire Doue, 19, and Lyon attacker Rayan Cherki, 20, are being monitored. Deschamps' staff considers the four to be potential future members of Les Bleus' team.
Olise impressed at Selhurst Park last season with 10 goals and six assists in 19 games across competitions. He's caught the eye while playing for Thierry Henry's French Olympics team as they prepare for the Olympics in Paris later this summer.
Olise has yet to earn a call-up to France's senior team but has represented the nation at U18 and U21 levels. He was also eligible to represent England but opted for Les Bleus because he felt a sense of loyalty, given that they gave him his first international opportunity.