Didier Deschamps, France’s longest-serving nationwide staff coach, is not going to search to resume his contract which expires in 2026, the French soccer federation (FFF) informed Reuters on Tuesday (January 7, 2025).
Deschamps’ deal runs till after the subsequent World Cup, for which Les Bleus have but to qualify.
The 56-year-old took over from fellow 1998 World Cup winner Laurent Blanc in 2012 and led Les Bleus to the World Cup title in 2018, two years after reaching the European Championship ultimate on dwelling soil.
The previous France captain, one among solely three folks to win soccer’s most prestigious prize as a participant and a coach, guided the nationwide staff to the World Cup ultimate once more in 2022, shedding to Argentina on penalties after top-of-the-line matches within the event’s historical past.
Earlier on Tuesday, French sports activities day by day L’Equipe reported that Deschamps would make his announcement on Wednesday.
FFF president Philippe Diallo informed Reuters Deschamps wouldn’t look to increase his keep after the World Cup, including: “He’ll go till the tip of his contract, i.e. 2026.”
Stellar profession
Deschamps, who had gained trophies with each membership he managed earlier than turning into France coach, additionally claimed the 2021 Nations League title with Les Bleus.
As a participant, he gained the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, each as captain.
A defensive midfielder nicknamed ‘the water provider’ by Eric Cantona, Deschamps was a successful machine and below his steering as coach, France have been at instances boringly environment friendly and at others sensible, beating Argentina 4-3 within the 2018 World Cup spherical of 16 and Croatia 4-2 within the ultimate.
Whereas Deschamps’ facet has boasted the thrilling attacking expertise of Kylian Mbappe, his groups have additionally proven grit and unmatched defensive capacity when it mattered most.
It’s unsure who will succeed him however Zinedine Zidane is the heavy favorite for the job.
Printed – January 08, 2025 09:22 am IST
