Didier Deschamps’ France Reign Ends After World Cup Semi-Final Defeat
Didier Deschamps‘ extensive tenure as France manager is set to conclude following the World Cup third-place play-off match. This comes after France‘s 2-0 defeat to Spain in the semi-final, ending their aspirations for a third World Cup title under Deschamps.
Deschamps, who managed France since 2012, had previously guided the team to a World Cup victory in 2018. During his time, he set a record for the most World Cup games managed, surpassing the previous mark of 25 shared with West Germany boss Helmut Schon.
Tactical evolution and semi-final performance
Throughout the tournament, France had displayed an attacking style of football, a shift from Deschamps’ earlier, more cautious approach. However, in the semi-final against Spain in Dallas, France managed only 10 shots, their lowest total in the World Cup, with an expected goals metric of 0.3. This performance led to disappointment among players and former internationals.
Kylian Mbappé acknowledged the team’s failure to execute their strategy, stating, “When you don’t do what you’re supposed to do in a World Cup semi-final, you don’t win.” He noted that their goal to press high and prevent Spain from establishing their controlled rhythm was not achieved.
Former France midfielder Patrick Vieira expressed his disappointment, remarking that the team “haven’t shown up” and that “all our top players went missing.” He added that collectively, the team’s performance was “really bad.”
The tactical shift under Deschamps saw him move from a midfield-heavy model to a four-forward setup, featuring players like Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, and Kylian Mbappé. This evolution aimed to maximise France‘s attacking talent, a strategy that had garnered admiration earlier in the tournament.
However, against Spain, the midfield struggled, with Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot reportedly overrun. The attacking quartet, despite their talent, did not receive the ball frequently enough due to Spain‘s midfield dominance, leaving France vulnerable to transitions.
Deschamps’ legacy and potential successor
Deschamps’ legacy is marked by his ability to transform the national team. Former France full-back Gael Clichy noted that Deschamps took a team that was “below par” and brought it “back up to the top.” Deschamps is one of only three individuals to win the World Cup as both a player and a manager, alongside Brazil‘s Mario Zagallo and West Germany‘s Franz Beckenbauer.
Former France striker Olivier Giroud described Deschamps as being “like a second father for some players,” highlighting the bond and confidence he instilled. Giroud added that Deschamps’ “record does the talking for him” and that he deserved a more triumphant exit.
The favourite to succeed Deschamps as France manager is former teammate Zinedine Zidane. Reports indicate a verbal agreement may be in place for Zidane to take over. Zidane, who won the 1998 World Cup alongside Deschamps, has a managerial record that includes three Champions League trophies with Real Madrid.
Clichy commented on the challenge facing the next manager, saying, “The guy who will come in behind Deschamps will find it hard. It won’t be easy.” Deschamps’ final match will be the third-place play-off against the losing side of the England versus Argentina semi-final.
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Source: bbc.com
