Deschamps, the big unpacking

Coach of the Blues since 2012, Didier Deschamps will hand over in 18 months, after the 2026 World Cup. A great upheaval, necessarily, for French football, even if the interested party willingly nuances the impact of his decision . “” I am surprised by the resonance and the importance that this decision could makehe confides in an interview with the team published this Thursday evening. For me, it is a non-year, because it is something that I have in my head for a long time. When I re-situated this contract, that is to say after the World Cup, in January 2023, I knew very well that I will not go any further. I have acted something that those around me have known for a long time. »»

Why such a choice and such timing? The Bayonnais technician assures that his announcement was in no way premeditated. “” It was clear in my head that the 2026 World Cup would be the Deadline. For me, that does not change anything: I remain on the objectives of March, the qualification (For the Final Four of the League of Nations while the Blues face Croatia in the quarter -finals, editor's note) And then after the goal of going to this World Cup, with the same determination, the same energy. I have no fatigue or wear, but I think I will have had my time. All good things have an end. And the French team is a very good thing, because it represents twenty-five years of my professional life when I combine my two lives. That's years … »»

Zidane, “a very good candidate”

However, Didier Deschamps takes care to hammer: ”

It's a stop. I don't give up! Including his coach career. “” I stop something that has been wonderful for many years, but no, I'm not going to be retired. You can go on now on: 'Yes, but then, after?' Well, I don't know. (…) I will decide in relation to what I will be offered. There are lots of possibilities. »»

Like directing another selection? “” I know that you should never say never, but I don't see myself being coach of another national team “Replied the former captain of the French team, who does not see himself to remain joined by the FFF. “”

I have no political ambition “, He said. And to add as to possible requests already formulated: ”

I am not available, I am under contract. I have no discussion, this is not the time. I am set on our goals, and I don't have to open my ears, there is a time for everything. »»

What about the Blues in all of this? “” What is very important to me is that I will remain an unconditional supporter of the French team, but a silent supporter, out of respect. I will not talk about the French team anymore, I will prohibit myself to comment on what will happen … »This while gladly softening Zinedine Zidane. “” There is a lot of respect between us. We saw each other last time in the summer of 2023, we have to meet again next summer, for the same reasons. Zizou is a very good candidate, natural and I will add expected. Afterwards, I don't know if he will want to

“, Dixit Didier Deschamps.