Laurent Blanc critical of Samir Nasri performance for France

Nasri put in a below par performance against Chile last night (GETTY IMAGES)

France coach Laurent Blanc hailed the contribution of Marvin Martin after last night's 1-1 friendly draw with Chile, but felt Samir Nasri "has the ability to do better".

Arsenal midfielder Nasri, who has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester City this summer, was substituted midway through the second half of the Montpellier encounter.

"He has the ability to do better," said Blanc. "I told him so, and he knows it. We put our confidence in him and he must return this. It will happen soon."

Blanc was full of praise for Sochaux playmaker Martin, though.

"He feels the football," said the former France defender. "He is a player capable of setting the team going in the right direction. He is sure of his technique. For me, he scored lots of points."

Nicolas Cordova made Les Bleus pay for their profligacy as his 77th-minute equaliser earned Chile a draw.

Blanc's side, still in a state of rebuilding following last year's farcical World Cup showing under Raymond Domenech, had led through Loic Remy.

"Technically, there were some very gifted players on both sides," Blanc added.

"We had opportunities, but so did Chile. Given it was a match in August, there was plenty of quality on show.

"We are on the right track."

Blanc went on to warn his players, however, that they could expect much tougher physical tests in next month's Euro 2012 qualifiers against Albania and Romania.

"Our next two games [in Tirana and Bucharest] have nothing to do with the opposition we faced on Wednesday," he said. "It will be a much more physical fight away from home."