St Petersburg: A firm hand on the tiller for France comes not only from captaining a World Cup-winning team 20 years ago, but also from some harsh lessons in Didier Deschamps’ six years as coach.
Unfairly derided as a ‘water carrier’ in his playing days in the French midfield, Deschamps has proven both innovative and brave as coach, and is now one victory away from joining an elite club.
Only Brazil’s Mario Zagallo and Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer have won the World Cup as both a player and a coach. Deschamps will join them if his team win Sunday’s final against Croatia in Moscow.
His six years in charge have provided not only a French record 52 wins in 82 matches but also see him deal with the bitter disappointment of defeat at home in Paris to Portugal in the 2016 European Championship final plus the storm over Karim Benzema’s suspension.
Deschamps was accused of racism and had graffiti to that effect scrawled on the wall of his house after Benzema was kicked out of the team over a sex tape scandal, but making bold decisions has been a hallmark of his tenure.
Paul Pogba was dropped during the last World Cup in Brazil, Samuel Umtiti brought in during EURO 2016, and in Russia two inexperienced full-backs were chosen from the start of the tournament.
The fact that only nine players have survived from the EURO 2016 squad shows a steely streak, with Deschamps not hesitating to offer a chance to players with potential. Kylian Mbappe would seem obvious, but Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard on the flanks now look inspired.
“As a coach, I am answerable to the nation. I have been given a responsibility and I need to deliver,” Deschamps told reporters Friday. “At times, my decisions may look harsh and tough, but then that’s the way the game runs.”
For Deschamps, who turns 50 in October, much is about a family atmosphere. Mobile phones are banned when the players eat together, and efforts to build team spirit are a top priority.
Since EURO 2016 tactics and formations have changed too, but always based on a solid defence. “He deserves all the credit,” said captain Hugo Lloris after the semifinal success over Belgium. “He is the one who develops the game plans. This victory is his. We applied to the letter what he asked us to do.”
Striker Antoine Griezmann is also bowled over by the coach. “We need a coach who gives us his confidence, who knows how to approach the games,” said Griezmann. “Since the beginning of the competition he has got it right, and I hope it will be the same for the final,” the forward added.
Win or lose Sunday, Deschamps will be staying in the job. French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet earlier said this week, that his contract still has two years to run and the body will ask him to continue.
Key facts
Under Deschamps, the Les Bleus have won 52 of their 82 games
France reached the final of Euro 2016, under the guidance of Deschamps
“I am not thinking about any new feat or whether I will join an elite list. Those are individualistic thoughts. At the moment, my only goal is guiding the team to the World Cup title”
Didier Deschamps