Deschamps targeted by Turkey, but local supporters firmly oppose it

Didier Deschamps is in Turkey’s sights just two months after concluding fourteen years leading the France national team at the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. According to NTV, his name appears on a shortlist of four candidates to succeed Vincenzo Montella, who was removed from his post after a run of four consecutive defeats in the Nations League — against Italy, Belgium and France under Zinedine Zidane.

The Turkish federation had already approached Deschamps last summer without success: the former national team manager declined at the time, wishing to take a break before returning to work. The Arda Turan option was also explored, but Shakhtar Donetsk refused to release their coach without financial compensation, prompting the federation to broaden its search. While the names of Julian Nagelsmann and Vitor Pereira had initially circulated, the list has since narrowed to three local coaches and the Frenchman.

Among the domestic candidates, Şenol Güneş, a towering figure in Turkish football who led the national team to third place at the 2002 World Cup, is the symbolic favourite. Abdullah Avcı, an experienced tactician who previously managed the national team in the early 2010s, and Fatih Tekke, representing a new generation of local coaches, complete the picture.

Despite a record that commands respect — World Cup winner in 2018, runner-up in 2022 — Deschamps does not have unanimous support in Turkey. On social media and specialist forums, supporters express a clear preference for a local coach, citing the language barrier, unfamiliarity with Turkish football culture and the cost of a foreign profile of this calibre.

The prospect of a rushed return seems moreover incompatible with Deschamps’ own intentions. Willing to wait until next summer before taking on a new role, he should only accept an offer before the end of the year if it offers exceptional prestige or financial terms. The situation is all the more delicate as Turkey is expected in France, in Bordeaux, next November.