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Pressure Mounts on Deschamps After France's Euro 2024 Exit
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. Despite a contract that extends through the end of the 2026 World Cup, questions are being asked about his future with the team.
Deschamps, who led France to World Cup glory in 2018, now finds himself under intense scrutiny. The French football federation (FFF) had stipulated a semifinal appearance in Germany as an objective in his contract, ensuring his position would remain secure, at least for the time being. However, the circumstances surrounding their exit have sparked debate.
France managed just one goal from open play during the tournament, a statistic that raises eyebrows given the wealth of attacking talent at Deschamps' disposal. The manager's frustration was palpable in his post-match interactions with the media.
"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]?" Deschamps said when pressed about his future. "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."
Griezmann's Record and Commitment
Amidst the disappointment, there were some bright spots for French football. Antoine Griezmann set a new national record for most appearances at World Cups and European Championships. His 36th tournament appearance came when he entered the field in the 62nd minute against Spain.
Despite not starting, Griezmann's commitment to the national team remains unwavering. "I started badly. After that, I started to feel better and better, and I ended up on the bench. We'll come back," Griezmann expressed. "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 forward was also clear about his future aspirations. "Oh guys, I still want to play [in 2026]," Griezmann confirmed, signaling his commitment to the national team's long-term future.
The Road Ahead for Deschamps
With the Euro 2024 campaign concluded, Deschamps' fate likely rests in the hands of the FFF. Their support will be crucial as he plots the road to the 2026 World Cup. Deschamps' contract security, achieved by meeting the semifinal objective, means he still has time to regroup and refocus.
The French footballing community and fans alike will scrutinize every decision moving forward. Whether Deschamps can turn potential into performance and restore France to its past glories remains to be seen.
Considering the depth of talent within the squad, expectations remain high. However, the near future will require not just tactical acumen but also strategic management of both players and media narratives. In the shadow of 2018's triumph, Deschamps and his team must find a way to revitalize and reclaim their place at the pinnacle of international football.