France's manager Didier Deschamps finds himself under significant scrutiny following his team's disappointing exit from Euro 2024. The French side fell to Spain in the semifinals, a defeat that has led to mounting pressure on Deschamps, who had previously guided France to World Cup glory in 2018.
Deschamps' contract is set to run through to the end of the 2026 World Cup, but the recent downturn in performance has cast doubt over his future. Despite the criticism, Deschamps has met one of the objectives outlined in his contract with the French football federation: leading France to at least the semifinals of the European Championship in Germany. This achievement provides him some measure of job security, despite the team managing just one goal from open play throughout the tournament, a poor return given the attacking talent at his disposal.
In the aftermath of the semifinal defeat, Deschamps responded to questions about his future with a mixture of frustration and composure. "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," said Deschamps.
One of the few bright spots for France during Euro 2024 was Antoine Griezmann, who set a new national record for most appearances at World Cups and European Championships, marking his 36th tournament appearance when he came off the bench in the 62nd minute against Spain. Despite the team's struggles, Griezmann remains committed to the national team and has expressed his desire to play in the 2026 World Cup. "Oh guys, I still want to play [in 2026]," Griezmann declared.
Reflecting on the tournament and his role in the team, Griezmann acknowledged the challenges and changes he faced. "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.
With Deschamps’ track record and the support of key players like Griezmann, the future of the French national team remains in a state of cautious optimism. The backing of the French football federation will be crucial for Deschamps as he navigates the next steps. Keeping his position for now, Deschamps will need to address the issues that have plagued the team in recent tournaments and leverage the vast talent at his disposal to ensure a return to winning ways.
The road to the 2026 World Cup presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Deschamps and his squad. The manager's ability to galvanize his team and make the necessary tactical adjustments will be under the microscope as fans and pundits alike look for signs of resurgence. For now, the focus remains on reassessing and strategizing the way forward, a task that will undoubtedly shape the legacy Deschamps will leave behind.