Euro 2012 news

Mathieu disappointed by France snub

April 14, 2011

Valencia full-back Jeremy Mathieu has spoken of his disappointment at failing to break into the France squad.

Jeremy Mathieu
GettyImagesJeremy Mathieu feels he will now find it hard to break into Laurent Blanc's plans

Mathieu has been a mainstay of Los Che's defence this season as Unai Emery's men have mounted a strong challenge to finish in the Champions League qualifying spots in the Primera Division.

The only blemish on Mathieu's season has been his inability to get into Les Bleus set-up, especially as regular left-back Patrice Evra has, until recently, been ostracised following his part in the bust-up which ruined France's World Cup in South Africa.

The uncapped former Toulouse defender told L'Equipe: "It is a disappointment, although it remains in the back of my mind.

"I think Laurent Blanc has his squad and it will be very difficult to get into it. It is what I lack in my career. With the return of Evra, I can't deny I asked myself a lot of questions.

"Did I deserve to be called-up? I don't know but there were several friendly games...

"The team is under reconstruction and I wish I had the chance to show what I was worth, simple as that, but the coach decides. All I can do is work hard and see what happens."