National boss concedes it’s probable Tottenham player has problems with Pochettino

 

Moussa Sissoko only has 623 minutes of Premier League action so far this season. It’s certainly not what the Frenchman expected when he joined Tottenham Hotspur ahead of Everton.

Sissoko had impressed at Euro 2016, despite doubts over whether he should have made Didier Deschamps’ selection, and after the tournament his stock rose, meaning the battle between Everton and Tottenham didn’t seem strange.

Newcastle United fans were surprised by it. Having watched the player all last season, as the club were relegated to the Championship, they were certain Sissoko’s performances in recent English football didn’t justify the faith.

One man who does have a whole lot of faith in Sissoko is Didier Deschamps. The France manager has the player as a favourite, and won’t rule out picking him again despite the lack of Tottenham minutes.

Speaking to French newspaper L’Equipe, Deschamps was asked about Sissoko and replied: “He plays little.”

When it was put to him that the midfielder has a problem with Mauricio Pochettino, Deschamps said: “Probably, but I do not want to get into that debate. His late transfer made him take the journey without preparation.”

Asked if Sissoko was getting insuffiecient playing time to justify a place in the France squad, Deschamps replied: “He could be more important. But I know Moussa.”