The pressure is intensifying on France manager Didier Deschamps as scrutiny builds following his team’s exit from Euro 2024. The French squad's journey ended in the semifinals, where they were ousted by Spain, raising questions about Deschamps' future despite his notable achievements, including leading France to World Cup glory in 2018.
Criticism flows not just from fans but also from analysts who point out that France managed just one goal from open play throughout the tournament, a perplexing outcome considering the depth of attacking talent at Deschamps’ disposal. The tactical decisions and underperformance have cast a shadow over what was a critically pivotal tournament for Deschamps.
However, reaching the semifinals was an objective explicitly stated in Deschamps' contract with the French football federation, and fulfilling this objective means his position is secure, at least for now. Despite the mounting criticism, the French football federation's support remains crucial to Deschamps' tenure, with his contract running through the end of the 2026 World Cup.
In a tense press conference after the semifinal loss, Deschamps bristled at questions about his future, stating, "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’ frustration was palpable as he navigated inquiries, reflecting the high stakes of his role. His achievements, including the 2018 World Cup win, are not easily dismissed, yet the demands of international football mean that past success offers no immunity from present-day critique.
On the players' front, Antoine Griezmann made headlines by setting a new national record for most appearances at World Cups and European Championships with his 36th tournament appearance. Coming off the bench in the 62nd minute against Spain, Griezmann demonstrated his ongoing significance to the team.
Despite a personal rollercoaster during the tournament, Griezmann expressed his steadfast dedication to the national team and his aspirations for the future. "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 remarked, showing both his humility and resolve.
Griezmann also openly voiced his ambitions for the 2026 World Cup, asserting, "Oh guys, I still want to play [in 2026]." His commitment is a beacon for the team as they look to regroup and build toward future competitions.
As Deschamps navigates this turbulent period, the support of the French football federation will be pivotal. While achieving the semifinal objective secures his position for now, the scrutiny on his performance will persist as France sets its sights on the 2026 World Cup. Both Deschamps and his players face the challenge of translating potential into triumph, a task compounded by the high expectations that accompany the legacy of Les Bleus.