After fourteen years at the head of the France team, concluded during the 2026 World Cup, Didier Deschamps arouses much desire. Already approached last summer by the Turkish Football Federation, the former coach of the Blues declined the offer, wanting to allow himself a period of rest before diving back in. But the crisis of results experienced by the “Ay-Yıldızlılar” has restarted the rumor machine.
Under the leadership of Vincenzo Montella, Turkey has had four consecutive defeats in the Nations League, losing to Italy, Belgium and France of Zinedine Zidane. This negative spiral cost the Italian technician his job. If the Arda Turan option was considered for a time, Shakhtar Donetsk’s refusal to release its coach without financial compensation pushed the federation to explore other avenues. While the press initially mentioned a prestigious duel between Didier Deschamps, Julian Nagelsmann and Vitor Pereira, the television channel NTV reports that the list of contenders has narrowed down to four names: three local figures and the French technician.
Among the national candidates is first of all Şenol Güneş, a true monument of Turkish football, who led the selection to a historic third place during the 2002 World Cup. At his side is Abdullah Avcı, an experienced tactician recognized for his rigor and also already seen at the head of the national team in the early 2010s. Finally, Fatih Tekke, a former international with a younger and more dynamic profile, represents the new wave of rising local coaches.
Turkish supporters not excited by Didier Deschamps
If the CV of Didier Deschamps – winner of the 2018 World Cup and finalist in 2022 – commands respect on an international scale, the prospect of seeing him land on the Turkish bench is far from enthusing public opinion. On social networks and specialized forums, Turkish supporters very clearly express their preference for a local technician. Many fear the language barrier, the lack of knowledge of Turkish football culture and the cost of a foreign coach in a context where the selection needs an immediate psychological shock.
Furthermore, seeing the former boss of the Blues take over a suffering team, called upon to return to… France in mid-November in Bordeaux, remains highly improbable. Didier Deschamps, who is ready to wait until next summer to return to service, will only dive back in by the end of the year for a prestigious ban or a financial offer impossible to refuse.
