Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte hasn’t been called up for France yet because he “has trouble integrating into the group,” according to his former youth team coach, Pierre Mankowski.
Laporte joined Man City from Athletic Bilbao in January and has been one of the standout centre-backs in the Premier League so far this season, making 13 appearances and scoring one goal – yet to taste defeat in the division.
Why is Laporte yet to play for France? 5 key things to know…
- Laporte was born in France but moved to Spain as a youth player, and so is eligible to represent either country.
- He has represented France at Under-17 to Under-21 level but has not played for the senior team despite receiving a call-up in October 2016.
- The defender’s fine form for Bilbao earned him a big-money move to Manchester City in January this year.
- Guardiola has labelled Laporte “so professional, so serious,” according to the Manchester Evening News.
- But his former France youth coach, Mankowski, says he finds it difficult to get on with his teammates, which has resulted in his Les Bleus omission.
As a result of his good performances, there have been question marks over Didier Deschamps’ decision to repeatedly leave Laporte out of the France squad.
But Mankowski now appears to have shed some light on the situation.
In an interview with L’Equipe, as relayed by Goal, Mankowski said: “He does not engage with the group. He is a loner.
“When he communicates, it may seem awkward, because he has a great perception of his value and he shows it. In the end, he’s a good pro who has trouble integrating into the group.”
What’s more, reports claim sources close to the Man City dressing have said Laporte can be “aloof” and “arrogant” at times, despite the fact he has made friends at his new club.
Will Laporte ever play for France?
Laporte’s absence from the France picture appears to be tied to Didier Deschamps, who seems to be against the idea of the 24-year-old joining up with Les Bleus.
Until Deschamps leaves his role – that won’t be any time soon given he led France to World Cup glory in the summer – Laporte doesn’t have much of a chance of playing for the country of his birth.
Whether he will still consider switching allegiances to Spain, and whether that would be the right decision, is up for debate.
The post Laporte’s awkwardness the reason for France snub, admits former coach appeared first on Squawka News.
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