Didier Deschamps was at a press conference Thursday to unveil the list of 24 players summoned for the double confrontation against Croatia, as part of the Nations League quarter -finals. After announcing the first summons of Désiré Doué, mentioned the case of Kylian Mbappé or even talked about the lens of the Blues, the coach was, without surprise, questioned about his future.
Because yes, this press conference also marked the very first official outing of the tricolor coach since he formalized his departure after the 2026 World Cup. As a reminder, after 13 years spent on the bench of the French team, “DD” declared, last January on TF1, that he will not continue the adventure at the end of his contract: “I have been there since 2012, I have been planned until 2026, the next World Cup, but it will stop there because it has to stop at some point. »»
A “non-year” for Deschamps
“” It doesn't change anything. For me it is a non-year
“Said the coach of the Blues when he was asked about his decision not to continue after 2026. Didier Deschamps then said that this decision will not change his desire to continue performing with the French team:” I have the same desire and the same energy. I don't have to have nostalgia. »»
Aware that journalists present were going to question him about his tracks for the future, the 1998 world champion preferred to anticipate: ” For the next, do not ask me the question I do not take care of it. I focus on my goals and to ensure that the French team remains efficient. One thing is certain, before thinking of 2026, Didier Deschamps thinks of the qualification in the semi-finals of the League of Nations and why not a second coronation in competition after that of 2021.
