The pressure is mounting on France manager Didier Deschamps following his team’s exit from Euro 2024 at the hands of Spain in the semifinals. Despite leading France to World Cup glory in 2018, Deschamps now faces scrutiny as his team struggled offensively, managing just one goal from open play during the tournament.
His contract, which runs through the end of the 2026 World Cup, stipulated that reaching the semifinals was an objective, a benchmark he met in Germany. However, meeting this objective has not been enough to quell the rising voices questioning his tactics.
In the aftermath of the semifinal defeat, Deschamps was confronted with questions regarding his future. Clearly exasperated, he responded, "You are terrible. Ask that question to the president [of the FFF], I have just come from losing a semifinal and you think that I have already [thought about that]? Me, I respect you, you should try to respect the people who have responsibility a little more as well. I say that in total calmness. What has happened happened -- I am here to respond to your questions but I am not going to respond to that today. You know very well the situation and you know what the president thinks -- so maybe you didn't have to ask me that question." His comments reflect both the pressure he is under and his protective stance over his decisions and tenure.
Antoine Griezmann, who set a new national record for most appearances at World Cups and European Championships with his 36th tournament appearance when he came off the bench in the 62nd minute against Spain, has also been a focal point of discussion. Griezmann’s tournament performance mirrored that of his team’s: a mix of highs and lows. Reflecting on his own experience, he said, "I started badly. After that, I started to feel better and better, and I ended up on the bench. We'll come back. I tried to give my all with a lot of tactical and positional changes. You had to adapt all the time. Understanding [Deschamps' decision]? No, that's personal. But that's how it is, that's the life of a footballer. Others in the squad haven't played a minute so I'm not going to be the one to complain."
The situation with Deschamps is complex. His contract gives him a level of security, but the support of the French football federation will be crucial for his future with the team. The federation's stance will likely be influenced by the overall performance and public sentiment. Despite the criticisms, Deschamps has admirers who point to his previous successes, including the 2018 World Cup win, as evidence of his capability to lead the national team.
Griezmann, for his part, remains committed to the national team and has expressed a desire to participate in the 2026 World Cup: "Oh guys, I still want to play [in 2026]," he said, underscoring his enduring passion and optimism for future campaigns.
The tournament revealed both strengths and weaknesses within the French squad. Questions surrounding their striking capabilities loom large given their struggles in front of goal despite a wealth of attacking talent. As the dust settles from this latest campaign, reflections will be centered on both tactical choices and player performances.
For Deschamps, the months ahead will be critical. The support or lack thereof from the French football federation will shape his path. As he stands at this crossroads, he can take solace in his past achievements while confronting the immediate need for introspection and potential restructuring to reignite France’s standing on the international stage.
Deschamps’ resilience and leadership will be tested anew, and the French football community will be closely watching how both manager and team respond to these challenges. As the narrative of French football continues to unfold, the echoes of triumphs past and aspirations for future glory will drive the endeavors of both Deschamps and his squad.