Olivier Giroud has stated that “Paul Pogba will be missed a lot” in Qatar, stressing the importance of replacing the Juventus star’s influence on the France squad ahead of their World Cup defense.
France, who won their second World Cup in 2018, is one of the favorites to win in Qatar, despite the fact that Pogba and other important players may suffer injuries.
Since joining Juventus again in July, Pogba has yet to play in a competitive match. He was also disqualified from the tournament after postponing surgery for a knee injury.
Giroud thinks it is time for other players to step into senior roles because the midfielder, who scored in the World Cup final against Croatia four years ago, will be joined on the bench by N’Golo Kante, Presnel Kimpembe, and Christopher Nkunku.
“We will miss Paul Pogba a lot, like Kante and Kimpembe,” Giroud said on Thursday.
“Paul takes up a lot of space in this France team with his personality, but I am convinced that there are other young leaders who can emerge.
“I too will play my role of big brother for the youngest, be available for them, and speak up when necessary.”
Giroud’s role in France national team
Giroud is France’s second-highest goal scorer of all time, trailing only Thierry Henry (51 goals) with 49 goals in 114 appearances for his country. He also has the fifth-most caps for his nation.
Giroud, who has scored nine goals for Milan this season, enters his third World Cup in excellent form and will postpone making any decisions about his future in the international team until after the competition.
“I feel good physically, in my game, in my club and in the France team. It’s a period of splendour for me. It’s a gift to feel like this at 36,” Giroud said.
“I don’t set myself any limits, it could be my last competition, but I don’t want to announce anything. We’ll see after the World Cup. My motivation to stay at the highest level is intact.”
France fell short of expectations when they were eliminated in the last 16 of Euro 2020 last year, and Giroud believes it would be incorrect to consider them favorites to win in Qatar.
“It’s a childhood dream, when you have the chance to participate, you want to go to the end. I was lucky that it came true in 2018,” Giroud added.
“Having the opportunity to play a third World Cup with this young, talented group gives us a lot of hope. We have a lot of hope but also humility, we do not make ourselves favourites.
“We know that there are very big teams in this World Cup. I have a lot of confidence in this group.”