🤖 nutmeg fc #22
Today: A. I. 💙 Didier Deschamps.
Didier Deschamps is an extraordinary exception in football. World Cup winner as captain, World Cup winner as coach and runner-up again as coach, without the golden ball.
It is precisely this event that most arouses my curiosity in his entire career: what happened with Karim Benzema in the run-up to the World Cup in Qatar?
Perhaps the relationship between the then Real Madrid striker and his teammates was so strained that, when he suffered a minor injury, Didier Deschamps saw a golden opportunity to get him off his back.
I would have loved to have been there. So I asked Bard to recreate that moment as if it were a scene from a movie.
Lights out, put your phones on silent mode, it's starting...
The Malingerer.
[SCENE START]
INT. FRANCE TRAINING ROOM - DAY
KARIM BENZEMA walks into the training room and spots FRANCE MANAGER DIDIER DESCHAMPS.
BENZEMA
Didier.
DESCHAMPS
Karim.
BENZEMA
I'm not feeling too well. I think I might
have pulled a muscle.
DESCHAMPS
(Raising an eyebrow)
Oh, that's too bad.
Benzema notices Deschamps' skepticism.
BENZEMA
Yes, it is.
DESCHAMPS
(With a hint of sarcasm)
I guess this means you won't be
training today?
BENZEMA
(Sensing Deschamps' doubt)
I don't want to risk making it worse.
DESCHAMPS
(With a forced smile)
Of course, of course. Your health is the
most important thing.
Benzema can tell that Deschamps doesn't believe him.
BENZEMA
(Trying to hide his frustration)
I'll be back in action soon.
DESCHAMPS
(Nods, but his eyes remain unconvinced)
I'm sure you will, Karim.
Benzema turns to leave, feeling a pang of anger towards Deschamps. He knows that the manager suspects him of faking an injury, but he can't prove anything. As he walks away, Benzema vows to be back on the field as soon as possible, just to prove Deschamps wrong.
Suddenly, Deschamps' voice stops him.
DESCHAMPS
Karim?
Benzema turns around, his expression hardening.
DESCHAMPS
I was thinking... maybe it would be best
for you to fly back home for a full
recovery.
BENZEMA
(His anger flaring)
What?
DESCHAMPS
I mean, there's no point in risking
further injury, is there? You're a vital
player for this team, and we need you at
your best.
Benzema can see through Deschamps' thinly-veiled suggestion.
BENZEMA
I'm not faking an injury, Didier.
DESCHAMPS
Of course, I believe you, Karim. But
don't you think it would be wiser to rest
up properly before returning to training?
BENZEMA
(His fists clenching)
I'm capable of deciding what's best for
my body, Didier.
DESCHAMPS
(His voice dripping with condescension)
Of course you are, Karim. I wouldn't
dream of suggesting otherwise.
Benzema stares at Deschamps, his jaw clenched. He knows that the manager is dismissing him.
With a final glare, Benzema turns and storms out of the training room. Deschamps watches him go, a smug smile playing on his lips.
[SCENE END]