Didier Deschamps unveiled this Wednesday evening on TF1 the list of 25 French footballers who will compete in the World Cup in Qatar.
One of the big losers is Alsatian. OM defender Jonathan Clauss was dismissed for tactical reasons. Disappointment is terrible for the player from Osthoffen and 30 years old. His late rise came to a severe halt.
He has played 6 of the last 8 games for Les Bleus
It is all the more cruel since Jonathan Clauss’ hope of going to Qatar was legitimate. He participated in the last three gatherings of the France team. He counts six selections (including two as a starter, against South Africa in a friendly on March 29, 2022 and against Austria on September 22 in the Nations League) and even if he did not burn each time, he delivered some correct services, which enabled him to believe in his lucky star.
Away from Racing at the age of 18, he had taken detours before exploding at the highest level in Lens. His two wonderful years at Blood and Gold allowed him to open the doors of the French team in the spring of 2022.
Although he’s been a bit down lately, Jonathan Clauss had a good start to the season with his new club, Olympique de Marseille, but it was not enough. His dream of a World Cup, still insane a few years ago, has vanished, so close to the goal.
Victim of Deschamps’ tactical choices
Coach Didier Deschamps preferred take more central defenders, because some of them are not sure of playing in Qatar due to physical glitches (Raphaël Varane, Presnel Kimpembe). He also opted for straight pistons (the position of Jonathan Clauss) with a more complete profile: Benjamin Pavard, Jules Koundé and even Kingsley Coman, who can occupy this position.
Still hoping to be drafted?
The chance to play a World Cup will probably not come again for Jonathan Clauss, already 30 years old. He can still hope a destiny à la Morgan Schneiderlin. The OGC Nice player, originally from Zellwiller, was not – also – initially called up for the 2014 World Cup. But he took advantage of another player’s package to finally participate.
In the event of injury, Didier Deschamps can indeed modify his list until the day before the first match against Australia Tuesday, November 22 next.