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.
Deschamps, who previously led France to World Cup glory in 2018, now faces mounting scrutiny after his squad managed just one goal from open play during the tournament, despite a roster brimming with attacking talent. There are growing questions regarding his tactics and the overall performance of the team.
Deschamps' Current Contract
Deschamps' contract with the French football federation runs through the end of the 2026 World Cup. A semifinal appearance in Germany was an objective outlined within his contract, and achieving this milestone means that his position remains secure for the moment. However, the backing of the French football federation (FFF) will be crucial in determining his long-term future with the team.
Under his management, France reached the semifinals, but falling short at the penultimate hurdle against Spain has intensified debates about his strategic choices. Emotions were high after the game, leading to a tense moment during a post-match interview when Deschamps was asked about his future.
"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," Deschamps remarked.
Griezmann's Record-Breaking Achievement
Amidst the chaos, Antoine Griezmann set a significant milestone by breaking the 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. This record is a testament to his ongoing commitment to the national team and his robust international career.
Griezmann's experience and resilience have been assets for the French squad. Reflecting on the tournament, he revealed the challenges he faced and his unwavering determination.
"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," Griezmann explained.
Despite ending the tournament on the bench, Griezmann remains resolute about his future with France, expressing his desire to continue playing at the highest level.
"Oh guys, I still want to play [in 2026]," he affirmed, making it clear that we haven't seen the last of him in a French jersey.
Future Prospects
The French football federation's support will be pivotal for Deschamps moving forward. The semi-final run in Euro 2024 fulfills a key expectation in his current contract. However, the federation must now evaluate whether Deschamps is the right person to lead France into the next World Cup cycle.
For Deschamps, the focus remains on channeling his past successes, including the 2018 World Cup victory, to reinforce his strategies and ensure France remains competitive on the international stage.
Meanwhile, players like Griezmann, with their unwavering dedication, will be integral to the team's future endeavors. His exemplary career and relentless passion for the sport serve as an inspiration to aspiring footballers and a valuable asset for France as they look towards future tournaments.
As the dust settles from the Euro 2024 exit, the French national team and its supporters will watch closely how Deschamps and the FFF navigate this critical juncture, eyeing redemption and reaffirmation in the looming World Cup horizon.