Despite an eloquent record at the head of the France team, Didier Deschamps is not spared from criticism.
Imago
“A bolt from the blue for some. A form of logic for others.” In one sentence, “Le Figaro” perfectly sums up the reactions generated by the announcement of the upcoming separation between Didier Deschamps and the French team. Revealed Tuesday evening, the information was confirmed by the main party this Wednesday: “DD”, in office since 2012, will not extend his current contract and will therefore leave his position at the end of the 2026 World Cup. end of an era”, underlines the German daily “Bild”.
If the death of Jean-Marie Le Pen monopolizes a large part of the media space, the French press could not omit the future departure of the most successful coach in the history of the Blues. The latter, already winner of the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 as a player, is the architect of the second star won in 2018. Under his reign, France also won the Nations League in 2021 , and reached the final of Euro 2016 as well as the 2022 World Cup.
Feeling of weariness
So many accomplishments which punctuated the spectacular recovery of a fragile selection upon arrival on the bench, still marked by the Knysna affair. The former midfielder contributed to the glorification of a generation embodied by Antoine Griezmann, Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappé, before beginning a revival after the 2018 world title. “The Basque has restored the image of the Blues” , points “Le Dauphiné Libéré”.
However, Didier Deschamps’ announcement also brings relief. “The feeling of weariness, faced with the wear and tear of a power, a method and an image, had spread to all strata,” wrote Vincent Duluc in “L’Équipe,” for whom he is “both (a) good decision and good news, for him, for the French team, for his media and popular environment”.
The monthly “So Foot”, with its characteristic offbeat tone, goes even further: “The days that separate us from July 19, 2026, date of the North American World Cup final and now the expiration date of the omnipotent national coach , will be able to bring their share of crazy victories, boring matches, goals from Randal Kolo Muani, bland press conferences and pre-established lists. Why not new trophies too?
Zidane, the perfect successor
Internationally, we were not ignoring the tension around the 56-year-old technician. “Although he is undoubtedly the most successful coach in the history of the Blues, Deschamps was not unanimously accepted by supporters because of his conservative style of play,” observes the “Daily Mail”.
As for his succession, the subject quickly came to the table. And one name is unanimous: Zinédine Zidane. Free since 2021, the 1998 Ballon d’Or has several times proclaimed his desire to lead the French team, of which he is an absolute legend. What’s more, his track record as a coach speaks for itself, including three Champions Leagues and two Spanish championship titles. ““ZZ” appears for the number 1 candidate to succeed his former teammate. In fact, isn’t he the only candidate?” asks “Le Figaro”.
In the meantime, France has a year and a half to heal the exit of its Football’s greatest champion.
