This is an announcement that we did not expect so soon. During an interview with Marie-Sophie Lacarrau in the 1 p.m. newspaper of TF1 alongside Brigitte Macron on the sidelines of the Yellow Pieces operation this Wednesday, January 8, including LCI broadcast a first extract in his morning show, Didier Deschamps expressed his wish to leave his position as coach of the France team at the end of the 2026 World Cup: “I have been here since 2012, I am scheduled until 2026, the next World Cup, but it will stop there because it has to stop at some point.“
Didier Deschamps announces his departure from the French team
“Yes, it could be an announcement, even if I’m not here for that“, launched Didier Deschamps, before adding: “I served my time with the same desire, the same passion to maintain the French team at the highest level but 2026 is very good.“The 56-year-old coach then said more about the underside of his choice:”We never want it to stop when it’s a beautiful thing but we also have to know how to say stop, there is life after. I don’t know which one it will be but it will be very good too. To already be, as many years as I am and to go until 2026, that will be 14 years so that will be a lot. Afterwards, the most important thing is that the French team remains at the top as it has been for many years.“
Asked about this surprise announcement in Apolline Morning on RMCJérôme Rothen expressed his doubts about Didier Deschamps’ decision. “Honestly, I don’t really understand the timing“, estimates the consultant, who then explained his incomprehension. “The Euro was not necessarily exceptional even if we made a half but in the game and in the image, things did not please the French. But announcing it a year and a half before the end of his contract, I don’t see the point other than finding a little peace with the press and avoiding the recurring questions at each gathering: ‘Is- what are you going to leave? Do the players always understand your speech, do you still want to coach?’ Knowing Didier Deschamps, if it’s just to gain this media peace, he has really changed.“
Jérôme Rothen does not validate Deschamps’ decision
“For me this is not good news“, continues Jérôme Rothen bluntly. “Even if it is to focus a group for qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.“In addition, the shadow of Zinédine Zidane could pollute the atmosphere of the Blues in the coming months for Rothen, not at all convinced by the departure of Didier Deschamps.”He wants to have peace of mind and we are already planning to see whether Sir Zidane will sign in a year and a half, it’s incredible. This is very bad news. We wouldn’t even understand if Philippe Diallo, president of the FFF, doesn’t already appoint someone.”
