FRANCE defender Benjamin Pavard “leaked dressing room secrets” and created a “toxic” atmosphere during the World Cup, sensational reports have claimed.
Pavard, 26, started France’s opening game as they thrashed Australia 4-1, but was replaced by Jules Kounde late on and did not play again in Qatar.
Didier Deschamps‘ men went on to reach the final but lost on penalties to Argentina in one of the most dramatic games in World Cup history.
Now a L’Equipe report, translated by French journalist Romain Molina, has alleged that Pavard made “inappropriate comments” about his own team-mates from the bench during the loss.
Deschamps reportedly had “big words” in response to his behaviour.
It comes after claims earlier on in the tournament that the French squad had become divided over Pavard’s inconsistent performances.
Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele was reportedly among those who were “railing against” him.
However, the full-back received the backing of some of his veteran colleagues, such as captain Hugo Lloris and France’s all-time top scorer Olivier Giroud.
But now allegations of leaking team details to the media are said to have left Deschamps and his coaching staff “very disappointed”.
Speaking about Pavard’s omission from the team after the group stage, the France head coach said: “I took the decision not to play him, I won’t go into the details.”
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Pavard played an integral role in France’s 2018 World Cup triumph – scoring one of the goals of the tournament in their last-16 victory over Argentina.
But he has struggled for form at club level in recent times, going through some difficult periods at Bayern Munich.
Pavard joined Bayern from Stuttgart in 2019 and has racked up 140 appearances, scoring nine goals and providing 11 assists.
