Adrien Rabiot’s maturity called further into question over latest incident
By Marcel Dumas
There comes a time when a player has to grow up and youth is no longer an excuse. Rabiot has been a professional long enough to understand how these actions reflect poorly on him.
France’s reserve roster became lighter by one man after Adrien Rabiot declined to join up with the team. The news filtered through media reports and was addressed by Didier Deschamps on Wednesday.
Rabiot sent an email to inform his coach that he would not participate in the team training leading up to the World Cup. According to reports, Rabiot was disappointed with Deschamps decision to leave him off the 23 man roster for Russia.
The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder has appeared in six games for the national team during his young career. With the depth of talent at Deschamps disposal, Rabiot faced stiff competition for a place on the team. When the final roster was announced last Thursday, the 23 year old found himself on the list of eleven reserve players.
After a weekend of thinking about it, Rabiot informed Deschamps by email on Monday of his decision to forego his spot in the reserves. During a meeting with the press at Clairefontaine, Deschamps had this to say:
"“I was surprised. I can understand [his] immense disappointment. However, to take this decision because of that… He has automatically excluded himself. I dare to hope that he will mature and reflect after this massive mistake. There is no place for this sort of behavior. I have taken note of this. However, I will not create a story for days out of it. He has refused to be part of the reserves, to follow some instructions [to keep him ready for action] and [be] called up if needed — that is his choice, he owns it.” – Didier Deschamps (ESPNFC.com)"
How this decision affects his future on the national team will continue to play out. With his prime years still ahead of him, this is the type of decision that could put the brakes on his international career. It also adds further concerns about his maturity level. These concerns can affect interest level and market value.
Trouble runs in the family
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This is not the first time Rabiot’s decision making has been under scrutiny. Much of his previous episodes have been orchestrated or heavily influenced by his mother.
His mother Veronique, has acted as the agent for her son over the years, and has had her fingerprints all over his career. She removed him from the Manchester City academy after six months when he was 13 years old.
Rabiot has cited that certain conditions of his six year contract were not met, while others attest his mother’s expectations were unreasonable for the situation. He would return to France, and join PSG a year later.
Contract standoffs have become common with regards to Adrien. Dissatisfied with his playing time, his mother advised him against signing a contract extension with PSG in 2014. Eventually they relented and signed his current deal which expires after next season.
PSG have shown interest in renewing his contract, but reports have indicated his mother has certain conditions that must be met. Conditions that include his playing position among other things.
His petulant behavior has caused some self inflicted wounds as well. In 2015, he was left out of the Coupe de France final after missing the team meet time.
His comments on a French television program regarding that PSG should give him a Christmas present of a loan deal, did not set well with the club leaders.
Next: Deschamps names squad for World Cup
Some will write off these incidents as mistakes of youth. There comes a time though when a player has to grow up and youth is no longer an excuse. Rabiot has been a professional long enough to understand how some of these actions reflect poorly on him. The ramifications of his latest decision might have the biggest impact of all.