Blanc backs Mexes and Rami
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ByEurosport
Updated 28/09/2010 at 14:49 GMT
France coach Laurent Blanc has confirmed that he will continue with a central defensive partnership of Philippe Mexes and Adil Rami for the Euro 2012 qualifier against Romania on October 9.
FOOTBALL France 2010 Philippe Mexes Rami
Image credit: AFP
Blanc, speaking to former France team-mate Bixente Lizarazu on TV station RTL, said the pair had impressed him after a shaky start.
"The centre of defence has pleased me, so I will continue with it against Romania, for sure," Blanc said.
"A central defensive partnership cannot be built in one day. We made a choice with Philippe and Adil, and they must have an understanding and above all complement each other.
"They complement each other, so all they have to do is play together."
The pair were chosen for France’s shock 1-0 home defeat to Belarus in their opening qualifier, but were impressive in the 2-0 win at Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Mexes, 28, has been a stand-out player for Italian runners-up Roma in recent seasons but was largely overlooked by controversial former Bleus coach Raymond Domenech.
Rami, 24, plays for Lille and boasts a rags-to-riches story, having been spotted playing amateur football four years ago while working as a gardener in his hometown of Frejus.
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