As you stroll along the lush pathway leading to the Château de Clairefontaine, a striking three-meter tall replica of the World Cup trophy greets you, flanked by two stars symbolizing France’s World Cup victories. Didier Deschamps played a pivotal role in both of these triumphs, first as the captain in 1998 and later as the manager in 2018.
The 1998 World Cup final marked France’s inaugural victory, but Les Bleus have now reached four out of the last seven finals, with Deschamps having participated in three. As he prepares for one last opportunity in North America, the pressure to succeed looms large, shaped by the weight of previous achievements. “We’re among the favorites,” he asserts during our conversation. “This label isn’t a taboo for me. If we hold this status today, which I find logical and justified, it’s because of our accomplishments and the results we’ve delivered.”
During our discussion, Deschamps’ assistant, Guy Stéphan, pops in, lightheartedly remarking, “You’ve got the best!” to which Deschamps responds with a grin, “He’s always very objective.” Given Deschamps’ impressive track record as both a player and manager, Stéphan’s words are hard to dispute.
However, Deschamps acknowledges a degree of subjectivity in perceptions. “There may be more recognition abroad,” he observes. “I travel extensively and am aware that the sentiment outside France differs from the national perspective.” Critics within France often focus on the team’s playing style, to which Deschamps laughs lightly, saying: “It depends on what you mean by ‘playing style.’ Internationally, that’s one narrative, but within France, it’s another. And despite being labeled as a team with a defensive approach, we still achieved positive results.”
Yet, he remains unconcerned about his legacy, asserting that “it doesn’t matter” and it’s not something that captivates his interest. “The most crucial aspect is what happens today and tomorrow, and tomorrow is the World Cup. After that, everyone will have their own interpretations and feelings about it.”
Public perception is just one facet; how he is regarded by peers is another. Gareth Southgate once looked up to him, and Deschamps admits to maintaining contact with other notable coaches, including Thomas Tuchel, whom he appreciates greatly, as well as Brazil’s Carlo Ancelotti and former Germany manager Hansi Flick. His accomplishments, highlighted by three major finals in 14 years and a Nations League title, have established Deschamps as a key figure in modern international football.
He, however, insists there is no secret formula to replicate. “I have a key principle: adaptation… I tell myself, ‘Based on the individual I am working with, I adapt.’ This leads to necessary adjustments. Just because something worked previously doesn’t mean we shouldn’t evolve. It’s not about change for the sake of change,” he explains.
Beyond strategy, effective man management is equally vital. “The generation I began working with in 2012 has transformed. Today’s players require more interaction,” notes Deschamps, who has overseen a significant shift in the France squad.
Following the 2022 World Cup final defeat to Argentina, notable players like Hugo Lloris, Olivier Giroud, Raphaël Varane, and Antoine Griezmann have exited the international stage. “The torch has been passed,” Deschamps states, naming Kylian Mbappé as the successor to Lloris, France’s most-capped player.
“Kylian, our current captain, observed and listened before taking on his role. He doesn’t emulate Hugo; they have different characters and personalities. He embraces leadership both on and off the pitch, understanding that when he speaks, he represents not just himself but all the players,” Deschamps elaborates. He further defends his deployment of the Real Madrid forward, stating: “I must be foolish, as have many coaches, to place him at the center of attack in the teams he has played for… for the past two years at Real and his last year at PSG, he’s played centrally for three years now.”
Mbappé faced challenges during Euro 2024, including a broken nose in the opening match against Austria, which hindered his performance. Deschamps remarked that his preparation was “suboptimal,” adding: “He came in after a very tough final six months at PSG, with limited playing time.” Heading into this World Cup, Mbappé is just one goal away from Giroud’s record of 57 goals for France, which serves as a validation of Deschamps’ decisions, often subjected to scrutiny yet frequently proving to be the right ones.
For Mbappé to surpass Giroud’s record, Deschamps must strike the right “balance,” a term he emphasizes repeatedly during our conversation on a rainy afternoon. “At the 2022 World Cup, we already had four attackers on the field,” he counters claims that switching from a 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1 might compromise Les Bleus’ renowned defensive strength.
He highlights Antoine Griezmann’s role, who occupied a midfield position during the last World Cup as an additional attacker. His replacement in the squad is Michael Olise, who Deschamps praises: “He’s a more reserved individual, a bit shy, but he shines on the pitch. Today, he’s a standout performer and among the best players at the World Cup.”
Deschamps faces tough choices, especially concerning forward positions. The likes of Mbappé, Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Rayan Cherki, Désiré Doué, Bradley Barcola, Marcus Thuram, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Maghnes Akliouche cannot all feature in the starting lineup.
“It’s essential to manage the disappointment of those who won’t start,” Deschamps explains. “It’s always challenging to accept because each player believes he’s superior to the one who occupies his position… ask any elite professional footballer, and they’ll say: ‘Competition? Of course, it’s part of our existence,’ but when it directly affects them, it becomes much tougher.”
Consequently, echoing Tuchel’s insights, Deschamps emphasizes that it’s not merely about selecting the top 26 players for the World Cup.
Approaching 58 this October, Deschamps understands all these complexities. He describes international management as a “completely different role” compared to club management, highlighting that none of his World Cup peers possess the extensive experience he has gained.
“If I remain in this position today, it’s because the French team has secured numerous victories. Otherwise, it could have ended sooner, whether by my own decision or external factors,” he explains. Ultimately, it was his choice. As he confirmed in January 2025, Deschamps will step down following Les Bleus’ campaign this summer.
This is not a retirement, but the former Juventus, Monaco, and Marseille manager is not preoccupied with what lies ahead. “I won’t make any decisions until after the World Cup,” he states, admitting that there have been offers.
When questioned about the prospect of a break, Deschamps asserts he has “the freedom to choose.” Unlike his previous hiatus after leaving Juventus in 2007, when he was in high demand, he reflects on his son’s advice: “The issue is that you always come up short.” He doesn’t necessarily need the World Cup to elevate his profile.
Deschamps may not dwell on legacy, yet as he departed the Château de Clairefontaine for perhaps the final time, he has undoubtedly created one.
