Cherki's frustration with Deschamps explained by personal ordeal

Rayan Cherki held no grudge against Didier Deschamps. The footage captured after France’s 3-0 victory over Sweden in the World Cup round of 16, in which the Manchester City attacking midfielder appeared to brush off his manager, fuelled speculation. The explanation is personal.

According to L’Équipe, Cherki is currently going through “a very heavy off-field situation that has worn on his nerves since the end of last week”, causing him several sleepless nights. The player had hoped to “chase away his personal clouds by delivering a strong performance” against Sweden. The frustration visible at the end of the match was therefore “directed at himself”: late in the game, he had attempted to set up a goal-scoring chance for Désiré Doué, but his pass was intercepted.

Deschamps, who appreciates the player, reportedly did not hold it against him. Cherki had indeed regained his smile in footage shot by the FFF aboard the plane bringing the Blues back to Boston, and during the next day’s training session.

On the sporting front, Cherki’s profile in this World Cup remains that of a substitute. In four matches, he has not been in the starting eleven once, coming on as a substitute each time — in the 87th, 68th, 65th and 85th minutes. Three of these substitutions saw him replace Michael Olise, who has become indispensable in the playmaking role under Deschamps. As long as Olise remains fit, the former Lyon player will have to settle for substitute status.