As the dust settles following France's unexpected exit from Euro 2024, the spotlight is firmly on national manager Didier Deschamps. The 2-1 semifinal defeat to Spain has sparked questions about his future, despite his storied tenure that includes leading France to World Cup glory in 2018.
Deschamps Under Pressure
Deschamps, whose contract extends through the end of the 2026 World Cup, finds his position under scrutiny. Despite the semifinal appearance in Germany being an objective in his contract with the French football federation, the lackluster performance of his team has raised eyebrows. France's offense, teeming with talent, managed just a single goal from open play throughout the tournament.
In the immediate aftermath of the loss, Deschamps was visibly frustrated 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," he remarked, emphasizing the need to respect the context and timing of such questions.
France's Struggle for Goals
Despite their semifinal appearance, France's journey through Euro 2024 revealed significant issues, most notably their struggle to score. The team's attacking prowess, including stars like Antoine Griezmann, failed to translate into goals. Griezmann, who set a national record with his 36th tournament appearance, came off the bench in the 62nd minute against Spain but was unable to turn the tide for his team.
Reflecting on his performance throughout the tournament, Griezmann 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."
Support from the French Football Federation
For now, Deschamps' position remains secure, thanks in part to reaching the semifinals as stipulated in his contract. However, the ongoing support of the French football federation will be crucial to his future with the team. The federation's endorsement will likely be influenced by how the team performs in the lead-up to the next World Cup.
Despite the setbacks, Deschamps can rely on the commitment of key players like Griezmann, who has made clear his intention to continue representing his country. "Oh guys, I still want to play [in 2026]," the forward asserted, underscoring his motivation to contribute to the national team's success in the years to come.
A Path Forward
While the exit from Euro 2024 is a bitter pill to swallow, it also presents an opportunity for introspection and growth. Deschamps and his team have the talent and potential to rebound, but they will need to address the underlying issues that hampered their performance in Germany. The next few years will be critical as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup, with a renewed focus on effective teamwork and strategic execution.
As France regroups and looks ahead, the footballing world will be watching closely to see how Deschamps and his squad navigate this pivotal juncture. The pressure is on, but with the right adjustments and the steadfast support of the federation, France can aspire to reclaim their place at the pinnacle of international football.