DEBATE – Is the coach playing for something bigger than just reaching the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 this Monday (6 p.m.) in Düsseldorf? A question that divides the editorial staff of Le Figaro.
No, Deschamps is not playing for his place against Belgium
Of course, the boat would rock hard in the event of a crash in the last 16 of the Euro. Given the quality of play deployed since the start of the competition, the attitude of the coach, his tactical orientations or the content of his speech so far, his position would inevitably be weakened. Especially since there is a certain Zinedine Zidane in the waiting room. But Didier Deschamps has already demonstrated his ability to bounce back.
We thought he was lost, in the midst of a slump after Euro 2020 (played in 2021) and we saw him masterfully lead his troops to the 2022 World Cup, all the way to the final. Philippe Diallo reinforced him before the start of the European Championship? Promises are only binding on those who believe them… However, the president will not dare to eject a monument of the magnitude of Deschamps, European vice-champion in 2016, world champion in 2018 and world vice-champion in 2022.
Also read: “My players never slept”: Deschamps mobilizes before France-Belgium
In summary, yes, an elimination against the Belgians would represent a failure, that is clear and simple, no doubt about it. But everything nevertheless suggests that the coach will push until 2026 for the World Cup. Unless he decides to leave of his own accord… Above all, nothing indicates that the candidates for his succession would do better in the future or that they have done better so far at the European Championship.
Let’s remember that France has had to deal with several crippling injuries or players lacking rhythm (Rabiot, Tchouaméni, Konaté, etc.), not to mention the case of Kylian Mbappé, and that it is not “DD’s” fault if France is incapable of developing ball players in midfield. The only one is Antoine Griezmann, and he learned his trade… in Spain. In short, despite what looks like a fiasco, Deschamps has earned the right to continue to be considered the man for the job and so he is not playing his head against Belgium. The best thing would be to pass to avoid having the answer. (CR)
Yes, Deschamps plays his place against Belgium
If Noël le Graet had still been at the head of the FFF, the question would not arise. Didier Deschamps was certain not to fear for his future in the event of elimination in the round of 16 of the Euro against Belgium on Monday. Since the resignation of the Breton leader, with whom he maintained mutual trust, the coach of the Blues must report to Philippe Diallo.
Let us say it clearly, the relations between the two men are cordial and respectful, but incomparable to those between DD and NLG. For example, the boss of the Blues does not appreciate Diallo inviting himself to snacks or pre-match chats.
Also read: “When he speaks, we listen”: Mike Maignan, the guardian of the temple
However, the current president of the French Football Federation, who is trying to put the Blues in the best possible conditions, admitted to Le Figaro last March that Didier Deschamps would continue his mission until 2026, the end of his contract, regardless of the result in Germany. But behind the words, what about the actions?
In the event of elimination in the round of 16, the wave of criticism will fall on the French team and its coach. After 12 years of presence, some will demand his departure, with the desire to see Zidane, who is just waiting for that, succeed him. What will Diallo do in these conditions? Strengthen Deschamps even if it means appearing as a weak leader in the eyes of public opinion or offer himself the possibility of establishing his authority by enthroning the icon of an entire country? With presidential elections at the FFF at the end of the year, all options are on the table…
(Comic strip in Düsseldorf)
