Didier Deschamps has commented on Moussa Sissoko’s situation at Tottenham.
France Head Coach Didier Deschamps
France manager Didier Deschamps has told L’Equipe that it’s possible that Moussa Sissoko has problems with Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Sissoko suffered a poor season with Newcastle United last term, as he struggled in the Magpies’ relegation campaign – but was still named in the France squad for Euro 2016.
The midfielder didn’t initially make the starting line-up, but he eventually became a key player for France as they made it all the way to the European Championships final, only to lose to Portugal.
Sissoko’s impressive performances during the tournament earned him a big-money move to Tottenham on deadline day in August, with Spurs paying £30million to land him according to the London Evening Standard.
Whilst he arrived with a huge price tag, Sissoko has failed to live up to that fee, as he has failed to even score this season, whilst registering just two assists in all competitions.
Sissoko hasn’t started a league game since the 4-1 win over Southampton in December, and has been reduced to cameo appearances for the bench having slipped down the pecking order at White Hart Lane.
Tottenham’s Moussa Sissoko in action with Middlesbrough’s Calum Chambers
Some think Sissoko could already leave Spurs in the summer, and France manager Didier Deschamps has now told L’Equipe that he thinks there may be a problem with Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino, hence his lack of playing time.
Deschamps added that Sissoko’s world has changed since the European Championships, and whilst he would rather the midfielder was more important at Spurs, he could still be in line for call-ups with France.
“He is playing very little,” said Deschamps. “It is possible [that he has problems with Pochettino], but I don’t want to get into that debate. His late transfer meant that he started the journey without the preparation.”
“Before the Euros many wondered what he was doing in the squad, but since the final, his world has changed. He could be more important, but I know Moussa,” he added.
Do you think Sissoko deserves more first-team football?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
