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 guided France to World Cup glory in 2018, now finds himself under intense scrutiny. Despite his previous triumphs, exiting the European Championship at this stage has raised questions about his future. However, Deschamps' current contract with the French football federation runs through the end of the 2026 World Cup, a buffer that might provide him some respite.
Deschamps faced the media after the defeat, visibly irked by queries 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," he remarked.
France managed just one goal from open play during the tournament, a disappointing output given the depth of their attacking resources. The attacking struggles highlight a broader issue that Deschamps must address if he is to stay in charge and mount another title challenge.
The semifinal appearance in Germany was an objective in Deschamps' contract, which he did achieve. Reaching this milestone, as stipulated, means that his position remains secure for now. The support of the French football federation will be pivotal as he navigates this challenging period.
Antoine Griezmann, a stalwart for the national team, set a new national record for most appearances at World Cups and European Championships with his 36th tournament appearance as he came off the bench against Spain. Griezmann's determination to continue playing is evident. "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 reflected.
Looking ahead, Griezmann has made his plans clear. "Oh guys, I still want to play [in 2026]," he affirmed, expressing his ambition to continue contributing to the national team’s efforts.
The French football federation's role is not to be underestimated. Their support for Deschamps during this period will be essential. Deschamps has demonstrated his capability by achieving the minimum set objective—reaching the semifinals. Now the focus shifts to rebuilding and preparing for future challenges.
Deschamps' tenure has seen highs, such as the 2018 World Cup victory, and more challenging phases like the current one. The ability to navigate these ups and downs is part and parcel of being at the helm of one of the world’s most scrutinized football teams. With the nation's expectations ever high, Deschamps will need to harness his experience and the backing of the federation to guide France forward.
As the French team regroups, the questions lingering around Deschamps’ strategy and the team's attacking inefficiencies remain. However, with experienced players like Griezmann showing commitment and a willingness to adapt, there's potential for resurgence. The road to the 2026 World Cup may seem distant, but for Deschamps and his squad, the journey has already begun.