France manager Didier Deschamps has leaped to the defence of Karim Benzema following criticism of the player's strike rate at international level.
The Real Madrid forward has not scored in his last 20 hours of football for Les Bleus, but the ex-Marseille coach insists that his teammates must share the blame for this.
"Benzema is not the problem," he told reporters. "I have 11 problems, 11 choices to make every time we play. Benzema may be in the area and it depends on who he has around him as to whether he scores.
"I encourage them to talk. Benzema complained about a lack of communication on the pitch. I'm not worried but if it is there is that we need to improve difficulties.
"Benzema and [Olivier] Giroud can work but the two do not play in a 4-4-2 formation for their clubs so it will take time."
France sit in second place in World Cup qualifying Group I following a 0-0 draw with Georgia in their last outing.
Mark Langshaw
