FFF promises tribute to Deschamps when former coach is ready

Didier Deschamps will indeed receive an official tribute from the French Football Federation, but on his own terms. FFF president Philippe Diallo confirmed that the ceremony will only take place when the former coach expresses the wish for it.

Questioned by Sud-Ouest, Diallo explained that he broached the subject with Deschamps as soon as the 2022 World Cup ended. “His wish was to take a step back,” he said. “As soon as he is ready, it is natural that a tribute will be paid to him.”

The official was keen to place Deschamps’ record in its historical context, recalling the state in which he had found the France team upon his arrival in 2012. “In 2010, it was the period of shame for French football with Knysna, an elimination in the first round of the World Cup, a France team that no longer embodied the values of unity, respect, work.” Diallo omitted to mention Laurent Blanc’s spell between this fiasco and Deschamps’ appointment.

“He managed to restore the image, to make people get behind the team and achieve sporting performances. That deserves recognition from French football,” he added.

Meanwhile, his successor Zinédine Zidane quickly captured all the attention during his first Nations League gatherings, with three victories and a draw, bold choices and new tactical intentions. No tribute to Deschamps was organized during this first gathering under Zidane. The former coach, World Cup winner as a player in 1998 and as a manager in 2018, remains for now in the background, with no new project announced.