"He has to do what he knows how to do, which is to play as naturally as possible. He has a good habit of scoring goals, whether for his club or with the younger teams and the Olympic team during the Olympic Games. So this is a big moment for him. Let him come with his enthusiasm and his qualities. He knows most of the players because he's had seen in the younger teams too."
"It's not about winning me over [personally]. That's not how it works. [He has to prove himself] in the team, in training and during matches."
"Mateta received his first international call-up for France for their upcoming clashes with Azerbaijan and Iceland following his fine start to the season at Crystal Palace. The 28-year-old has scored four goals in 12 appearances across all competitions for Oliver Glasner's side, who sit sixth in the early Premier League standings."
Didier Deschamps has urged Jean-Philippe Mateta to prove himself for a place in France's starting line-up during the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Iceland. Mateta earned his first senior call-up after a strong start to the season with Crystal Palace, scoring four goals in 12 appearances across all competitions. His 32 Premier League goals since the 2023-24 campaign place him level with Jarrod Bowen and behind several top scorers. Mateta previously represented France at youth level and won Olympic silver in Paris. France top Group D and face Azerbaijan at Parc des Princes before travelling to Iceland.
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