Deschamps Defends Rabiot Amidst Whistles Ahead of Azerbaijan Match at Parc des Princes

As France prepares to face Azerbaijan at Parc des Princes (8:45 PM), Didier Deschamps has once again condemned the booing directed at Adrien Rabiot. The former Marseille player was jeered during the match against Iceland (2-1).

“This should not happen.” With the French team gearing up to host Azerbaijan this Friday, aiming for a successful path to the 2026 World Cup, Deschamps expresses his hope for a supportive atmosphere, free from jeers aimed at his players.

However, the coach is acutely aware that playing at Parc des Princes, home of Paris Saint-Germain, may put any player or former player from Olympique de Marseille in the crosshairs. “We are at Parc des Princes, which naturally has Paris supporters,” he noted during a press conference. “It only takes one or two to start the booing, and then…“

“Adrien is an adult and vaccinated”

In September, Rabiot faced boos with each touch of the ball during the match against Iceland (2-1). This hostility did not seem to shake the newly signed Milan player; in fact, he welcomed the challenge. “I prefer to play in stadiums where I’m booed and the crowd is against me,” he remarked in an RTL interview. He lamented, “In club football, an unfriendly stadium excites me. But when representing France, we should have all French supporters behind us, not divided.“

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As a former Paris Saint-Germain player, Rabiot has the backing of Didier Deschamps, who reassures that he is not overly concerned for the midfielder: “Adrien is an adult and vaccinated, and that did not prevent him from turning things around with his last defensive play (against Iceland),” he stated. “The rivalry between clubs exists, and it is more intense depending on the clubs involved.” This Friday, the French team has an opportunity to take another step towards the United States with a potential victory.