Pressure Mounts on Deschamps Following Euro 2024 Exit
The pressure is firmly on France manager Didier Deschamps following his team's early exit from Euro 2024. France's journey came to a halt in the semifinals with a loss to Spain, putting Deschamps under intensified scrutiny. Despite his past success leading Les Bleus to World Cup glory in 2018, questions regarding his tenure have inevitably surfaced.
Deschamps, who is contracted until the end of the 2026 World Cup, had an obligation to guide France to at least the semifinal stage in this tournament—a goal that was met. However, the manner of their exit and the team's lackluster performance in front of goal have left many questioning his future.
France managed just one goal from open play throughout the tournament, a disappointing output considering the wealth of attacking talent at Deschamps’ disposal. This offensive struggle has placed further emphasis on Deschamps' tactics and selections, with critics arguing that the team failed to play to its attacking strengths.
Following the defeat to Spain, Deschamps faced pressing questions regarding his future. His response was measured but telling: “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.”
While Deschamps’ immediate future remains secure due to meeting contractual objectives, the French football federation's support will be critical moving forward. The Federation's stance will likely be evaluated based on future performances and the overall direction of the national team.
Adding to the storyline, France's star forward Antoine Griezmann continued to etch his name in the history books. Griezmann set a new national record for the most appearances at World Cups and European Championships with his 36th tournament appearance, coming off the bench in the 62nd minute against Spain.
Griezmann has been vocal about his commitment to the national team and his desire to remain a key player in the years to come. Reflecting on his performance and position within the team, he 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.”
Despite the team's shortcomings, Griezmann also expressed enthusiasm about his future in international football, joyfully declaring, “Oh guys, I still want to play [in 2026].”
The coming months will be crucial for Deschamps as he seeks to regain trust and build a team capable of competing at the highest level. The French squad's potential remains unquestioned, but turning that potential into success will be the ultimate challenge for the embattled manager.
Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, the stakes could not be higher for Deschamps, the French football federation, and the nation's devoted fans. The pressure to perform and evolve will be ever-present, making the journey to redemption a narrative to watch closely.