The pressure is on for France's national football team manager Didier Deschamps as scrutiny intensifies following France's elimination from Euro 2024. A 2-1 defeat at the hands of Spain in the semifinals has left fans and analysts alike questioning the direction of the team. Despite Deschamps' historic success, including a triumphant World Cup victory in 2018, the latest exit has ignited conversations about his future at the helm.
One key point in Deschamps' favor is that his current contract runs through the end of the 2026 World Cup, providing a degree of job security. Furthermore, reaching the semifinals in Germany was a stipulation in his contract with the French football federation (FFF), a target Deschamps has now met. For now, this ensures that his position remains secure, a fact that buys him some much-needed time while the federation considers their long-term plans.
However, the manner of France's departure from the tournament has raised eyebrows. Despite a roster brimming with attacking talent, Les Bleus managed just one goal from open play throughout the competition. Such an underwhelming offensive display is bound to cause concerns, with critics questioning whether Deschamps' tactical approach is maximizing the potential of the squad.
Deschamps himself appeared visibly agitated when asked about his future immediately following the defeat. He responded sharply, "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."
On the player front, Antoine Griezmann marked a personal milestone by setting a new national record for most appearances at major tournaments, with his 36th appearance at the Euros coming as a substitute in the semifinal against Spain. Griezmann has been a stalwart presence for France over the years, and despite the setback, he is eager to keep contributing. "Oh guys, I still want to play [in 2026]," he reiterated enthusiastically.
Even though Griezmann did not start the semifinal, he displayed a remarkable team-first mentality. Reflecting on his performance and Deschamps' decision to bench him, 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."
The unwavering support of the FFF will also play a crucial role in determining Deschamps' future with the national team. As it stands, the federation's backing remains firm, which should provide some confidence for Deschamps to continue implementing his vision.
As the dust settles on France's Euro 2024 campaign, the coming months will be pivotal. Deschamps will need to address the tactical shortcomings that plagued his team and make the most of the time he has before the next major tournament. For now, having met the semifinal objective in his contract and retaining the support of key players like Griezmann, Deschamps has the mandate to steer France forward. But as is always the case in international football, the pressure to deliver is relentless, and Deschamps will undoubtedly be aware that the scrutiny will not ease until tangible improvements are evident on the pitch.