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 finds himself at a crossroads, with scrutiny intensifying despite his decorated tenure. While his contract with the French football federation runs through the end of the 2026 World Cup, questions about his future are inevitable.
France managed just one goal from open play during the tournament, a stark contrast considering the wealth of attacking talent at Deschamps' disposal. This offensive struggle has exacerbated concerns among supporters and pundits alike, who are left pondering whether the tactical setup maximized the available resources.
The semifinal appearance in Germany was a pre-defined objective in Deschamps' contract, and reaching this milestone has ensured his position remains secure for the time being. However, murmurs of discontent suggest that merely achieving contract objectives may not suffice for a nation with lofty ambitions.
Deschamps' Reaction
In the immediate aftermath of the semifinal loss, an exasperated Deschamps expressed his frustration when 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 and Commitment
Amidst the uncertainty, Antoine Griezmann 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. This milestone underscores his enduring importance to the national team. Following the match, Griezmann candidly shared his experience and future aspirations. "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," he said.
Griezmann's commitment to the national team remains unwavering, as he unequivocally stated, "Oh guys, I still want to play [in 2026]." His determination to represent France at the next World Cup is a positive signal for the team amidst the current turbulence.
The Role of the French Football Federation
As Deschamps navigates this period of heightened scrutiny, the support of the French football federation will be crucial. The federation's backing could provide the stability needed to refocus on future objectives, particularly the 2026 World Cup, which continues to loom large on the horizon.
In summary, while Didier Deschamps remains the manager of the French national team for now, the questions surrounding his tenure will persist. With key players like Griezmann expressing their commitment to the national cause, the coming months will determine whether Deschamps can silence his critics and steer France towards continued success. Support from the federation and a strategic reevaluation of the team’s approach will be pivotal as France looks to bounce back from their recent disappointment.