As you stroll along the lush path to the Château de Clairefontaine, a striking three-meter replica of the World Cup trophy greets you, flanked by two stars, symbolizing France’s World Cup victories. Didier Deschamps played pivotal roles in both triumphs, first as captain in 1998 and later as manager in 2018.
France’s 1998 World Cup final marked the nation’s inaugural victory, but they have since reached four out of the last seven finals, with Deschamps part of three of those journeys. As he aims for another shot at glory in North America, the weight of past success shapes the expectations surrounding him. Deschamps has guided France to three significant finals during his 14-year tenure as manager. “We’re among the favorites,” he asserts while settling into the interview. “I don’t shy away from that term. Our current status is a result of our past achievements and the results we have secured.”
During our conversation, his assistant Guy Stéphan playfully interrupts, stating, “You’ve got the best,” to which Deschamps responds with a grin, “He is always very objective.” The manager’s impressive track record as a player and coach makes it hard to dispute Stéphan’s claim.
However, Deschamps acknowledges a sense of subjectivity in perceptions of his work. “There may be greater recognition abroad,” he mentions. “Having traveled extensively, I’ve noticed that international sentiment differs from what we experience in France.” Some domestic critics express concerns about the team’s playing style. Before delving into this topic, he chuckles lightly: “It depends on how you define ‘playing style’. Internationally, that’s one aspect, but within France, the narrative often portrays our team as defensive or restrictive. Yet, this hasn’t hindered our success.”
Deschamps is not preoccupied with his legacy, insisting that “it doesn’t matter” to him. He emphasizes, “What truly counts is the present and the future, particularly with the World Cup approaching. After that, everyone will have their own interpretations and feelings about our journey.”
While public opinion holds weight, how he is viewed by his peers is equally vital. Gareth Southgate regards him as a mentor, and Deschamps reveals he’s had exchanges with notable managers like Thomas Tuchel, who he admires greatly, Brazil’s Carlo Ancelotti, and former Germany coach Hansi Flick. With three major finals and a Nations League title under his belt, Deschamps has earned the title of a key figure in modern international football.
Yet, he claims there isn’t a secret strategy to replicate. “I have a magic word: adaptation… I remind myself, ‘Based on the individual in front of me, I need to adjust.’ This leads to necessary modifications… Just because something worked before doesn’t mean it should remain unchanged. It’s not about altering things for the sake of it,” he explains.
Beyond tactics lies the critical aspect of man management, where adaptability is key as well. “The generation I began with in 2012 is not the same as the current one… the new generation requires more communication,” Deschamps states, having overseen a transformation within the French squad.
In the wake of the 2022 World Cup final loss to Argentina, veterans like Hugo Lloris, Olivier Giroud, Raphaël Varane, and Antoine Griezmann have all hung up their international boots. “The baton has been passed,” Deschamps remarks, having named Kylian Mbappé as the successor to Lloris, who holds the record for the most caps for France.
Deschamps describes Mbappé: “Today, as our captain, he listened and observed before taking on this role. His character and personality differ significantly from Hugo’s. He assumes leadership on and off the pitch, and he understands that when he speaks, he represents all the players, not just himself.” He defends his decision to utilize the Real Madrid star effectively: “I must be foolish, along with many others who have coached him, to position him centrally in the attack throughout his career, whether at Real or during his last year at PSG. For the past three years, he has consistently played in that central role.”
Despite his previous struggles at Euro 2024, including a nose injury in the opening match against Austria, Deschamps notes that Mbappé’s preparation was “suboptimal”, as he arrived following a challenging 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 for France, solidifying Deschamps’ choices that often face scrutiny yet usually prove to be the right ones.
For Mbappé to set a new record, finding the right “balance”—a term Deschamps emphasizes throughout our conversation—is crucial. “At the 2022 World Cup, we started with four attackers already,” he counters claims that shifting from a 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1 could compromise Les Bleus’ renowned defense.
He highlights Griezmann’s role in the midfield three during the 2022 World Cup as an additional attacker within that system. His replacement came in the form of Michael Olise, described by Deschamps as “a more reserved individual, somewhat shy, yet he shines brilliantly on the pitch.” Deschamps continues, “Today, he’s emerging as one of the standout players at the World Cup.”
Deschamps faces tough choices, especially in the attack, with Mbappé, Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Rayan Cherki, Désiré Doué, Bradley Barcola, Marcus Thuram, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Maghnes Akliouche all vying for spots in the lineup.
“It’s about managing the disappointment of those who won’t start the match,” he explains. “It’s always challenging to accept, as each player believes they are superior to the one occupying their position… Ask any elite professional footballer, and they’ll affirm that while competition is part of our lives, it becomes more difficult when the competition is against a teammate.”
In line with Tuchel’s comments, Deschamps emphasizes that selecting the best 26 players for the World Cup isn’t simply about talent.
At 58, Deschamps is acutely aware of the nuances of international management, describing it as a “completely different role” from club coaching, and asserting that none of his World Cup counterparts possess the extensive experience he has gained.
“If I’m still in this position today, it’s because the French team has achieved many victories. Otherwise, my tenure could have ended sooner, whether by my choice or another’s decision,” he reflects. Ultimately, it was his choice, as he confirmed in January 2025 that he would step down after Les Bleus’ campaign concludes this summer.
This isn’t retirement for the former Juventus, Monaco, and Marseille manager; however, he isn’t contemplating his next steps just yet. “I won’t make any decisions until after the World Cup,” he states, admitting that offers have come his way.
When questioned about the possibility of taking a break, Deschamps claims he has “the freedom to choose”. This wasn’t the case during his last lengthy hiatus from the sport. “I stepped away from Juventus in 2007. Between 2007 and 2009, I was on virtually every shortlist. But my son said, ‘The issue is you always fall short.'” He doesn’t necessarily need the World Cup to attract attention for his next role.
Although Deschamps may not prioritize legacy, as he departed the Château de Clairefontaine for what may be the final time on Sunday, he has undeniably secured his place in football history.
