Deschamps backs struggling Benzema

Didier Deschamps has backed Karim Benzema to star for France despite growing frustration over his lack of goals for the national side.

The 25-year-old was booed by a section of fans in Les Bleus’ 3-1 win over Georgia on Friday, but Deschamps insisted that he sees no issue with continuing to use the Real Madrid forward, including for the upcoming World Cup qualifier with Spain.

“I have faith in Karim,” Deschamps said.

“You just have to look at the public comments of his team mates after the Georgia game. I won’t deny that Karim had chances against Georgia and didn’t score.”

Benzema’s performances have come in for stern criticism in his homeland; he has not scored since his brace against Estonia in a friendly in June.

While admitting fans had a right to express any unhappiness, Deschamps suggested negative reactions were far from helpful ahead of the game against the world champions.

“The competition for places is there for everybody,” the 1998 World Cup winner added.

“It’s not the best thing for the confidence of players to have a go at them but the fans are free to make their feelings known.

“I prefer to have support and then whistles at the end of the game if the result is not good.”