Didier Deschamps flies to the aid of Karim Benzema

30 shots, 0 goals. The observation is relentless. Between Euro 2008, 2012 and 2020, Karim Benzema never managed to score. Back in Blues for this competition, the striker is struggling to find the efficiency that has been wreaking havoc for so many years with Real Madrid. A missed penalty against Wales, an exit from premature injury against Bulgaria, a goal denied against the Germans and a huge missed opportunity against Hungary, here is the gross record of the French.

“Obviously, he knows that he is expected on that aspect and I told him: ‘it’s not just that’. An attacker needs to score, the main thing is that he keeps confidence and especially my confidence ”, calmed Didier Deschamps yesterday at a press conference after the draw (1-1) against the Hungarians. Under the scorching heat of Budapest, Benzema appeared a tone below his partners, mostly missing out on a big opportunity after a good serve from Mbappé.

Deschamps trusts Benzema

Olivier Giroud ended up replacing him 15 minutes from the end. The latter will have barely had time to offer Mbappé a goal, also missed. “Forwards live and feed on efficiency. He has a weight which is heavy despite his experience and his background. Giroud had the same responsibility at the World Cup. The main thing is that he has the confidence of the group ”, recalls today the coach at the microphone of Telefoot this Sunday morning, well aware of the difficulties encountered by Benzema.

Obviously, the Madrilenian is under the pressure of his return after 5 years of absence in the Blues and one can wonder if it would not have been more judicious to summon him from the meetings in March, so that he can take time to adapt to his “new” team. “No, it would have been the same, sweeps Deschamps. We cannot remake history. Sometimes the attackers are not efficient but they live for it. There is everything they can do on the pitch as well and in the game but they will always be judged on whether to score or not. “ Indeed, this 28th goal for the France team is still expected.