Philippe Diallo’s committed defense of Didier Deschamps and the French team

For several years, the French team has not made the French dream. Despite great epics and often long runs in the World Cup or the Euro, a real disenchantment with Didier Deschamps’ gang exists. During the last gathering, this hostility reached its peak. More or less spared in Paris, the Blues were copiously booed in Lyon against Belgium. At the top of the list, Kylian Mbappé, Didier Deschamps and Bradley Barcola, due to a particular context in the Rhône, were particularly targeted. However, Didier Deschamps remains the coach of France. Criticized by a large part of the followers for many years, the tactician had extended his contract until 2026 following the defeat in the World Cup final in Qatar. The maintenance of his position also lies in the proximity that the former midfielder maintains with his hierarchy.

Very close to Philippe Diallo, the 98 world champion has established a relationship of trust with the boss of the FFF. The latter does not hesitate to reiterate his confidence in the coach whenever he has the opportunity. This is also what he did this Monday in the columns of The Team. Asked about the French team’s lackluster performances, Philippe Diallo explained that he was in total disagreement with the French team’s detractors: “I don’t share this analysis at all. We reached the semi-final of the Euro, two years after a World Cup final, our results over time are exceptional. I received Didier Deschamps to take stock after the Euro, he also came before the executive committee. And the word that came back in conclusion was the term oxygenation. This word is appropriate. The framework of the French team is solid, efficient and talented, but we need to introduce oxygen. Which was done with new players (Olise, Koné, Badé) in September.”

Philippe Diallo not worried by the French team

Of course, Didier Deschamps called on new players during the last training camp. However, some players were forgotten from the French coach’s list while some presences were intriguing. In addition to these choices that are criticized, the game is one of the grievances held against the former OM coach. Severely beaten by Italy and feverish against Belgium despite the victory, Bradley Barcola’s teammates are not shining. However, Philippe Diallo is not worried: “Warning signals? No. We knew that these September matches would be complicated because we were playing high-level opponents, Italy (1-3, September 6), Belgium (2-0, September 9) and that we had to introduce young players. (…) I did not feel at the Euro a group that was disintegrating. Today, we are entering the cycle of the World Cup in two years. The goal of the coach is to start preparing the team that will be the most competitive for this event.”

Finally, the FFF president once again defended his coach in the face of persistent questions from our colleagues. Asked about a possible extension of his coach’s contract, Philippe Diallo said that this was not on the agenda. The opportunity for the latter to once again reinforce DD’s position: “This is not my immediate subject. Didier is the coach with the best track record in the history of French football, he has a two-year contract until the World Cup. Period. The results are his best shield against certain defeatists. (…) There is a form of injustice. I hear comments even though he should rather enjoy a form of gratitude in relation to what he has brought to this French team for twelve years. Hats off. He has fully fulfilled his mission and has a strong determination to continue it.” So you will have understood, Didier Deschamps is far from being in danger for his position as coach of the Blues.