Deschamps opens up about Chevalier’s role in the France squad

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·13 febbraio 2026

Deschamps opens up about Chevalier’s role in the France squad

Goalkeeper for Paris Saint-Germain since the summer of 2025, Lucas Chevalier, aged 24, is struggling to secure his position as a starter. His performances, well below expectations, even call into question his participation in the 2026 World Cup wearing the French team jersey, as evidenced by the words of his coach, Didier Deschamps, to L’Equipe.

Deschamps: "Many were saying Lucas Chevalier might take Mike Maignan's place"

"In October, many were saying that Lucas Chevalier might take Mike Maignan's place. Things move quickly in football. A lot can happen between now and March. If Lucas doesn't play? Don't ask me the question, we'll see in due time, I'll let you lead the debates, there will be a thorough reflection because it's a special position, obviously playing is important, there's a number 1, 2, 3... Jean Butez and Robin Risser? I'm not going to say everyone has a chance, they are good goalkeepers, we follow them, it's not because they haven't been selected... Without going into detail because you'll interpret, but the goalkeeper position is very specific... experience and background matter. But if I say that, you'll think 'there he goes, he's going to pick the guys who don't play,' but that's part of the reflection."

Deschamps: "If things evolve positively, so much the better, for him and for us."

We still have time, we'll have to see, but obviously Lucas's situation is not the best for him, for us... but well, he's in his club, it's Luis Enrique who decides, it can evolve. If it evolves positively, so much the better, for him and for us.

Chevalier's performances have been clearly disappointing since his arrival at the capital club. A star at LOSC, he has not managed to establish himself in this Parisian team, and this inevitably affects the choices of his coach Didier Deschamps. It's logical, it's the competition at a high level.

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The World Cup is approaching quickly, and choices will logically have to be made. Already sidelined during the Classico in favor of Matveï Safonov (26 years old), Lucas Chevalier could clearly see the French team's jersey slipping away if his situation does not change at the capital club.

As the coach pointed out, there is still time, and things can change quickly. A resurgence at PSG could quickly open the door. But this situation needs to be achieved. It won't be easy. It's up to Chevalier to respond in the best way possible to have the best chances.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.