After a 2022 World Cup in Qatar ended in a lost final against Argentina, Didier Deschamps extended his contract as coach of the France team until 2026. From negotiations on the duration of the contract to the Zidane option through the international retirement of Benzema, the underside of this extension.
Didier Deschamps will continue his mission as coach at the head of the France team. He returned for three and a half more years. “My president has decided to extend me until 2026”, declared Didier Deschamps this Saturday, during the Federal Assembly of the FFF. It is factual. However, Noël Le Graët had preferred, at first, to extend the lease of the 1998 world champion until 2024. Didier Deschamps, he remained on his initial desire to continue until the next World Cup organized jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The president finally gave in.
After meeting Didier Deschamps on December 29, he met with his agent this week to finalize the outlines of the contract. The idea of the former mayor of Guingamp has always been to formalize this signature during the Federal Assembly this Saturday, January 7, in Paris. He wanted to reserve the first of the announcement to the presidents of League and District. This is among other things why there has been, in recent days, a form of vagueness on this renewal. The secret has been well kept.
“I am aware of having a high level pool”
Before the start of the competition, the former captain of Juventus had nevertheless left to stop after the World Cup. The desire to continue therefore grew as the matches followed one another. Among the reasons that made him want to put a coin back in the machine, there is the fact that he has an exceptional generation.
“I am aware of having a high-level pool,” he admitted in the wake of his extension. With Kylian Mbappé as a flag bearer, the Tchouaméni, Upamecano and Kolo Muani… this suggests a bright future. Didier Deschamps also particularly appreciates the pace and the function of coach that he has embodied for a little over 10 years.
Regarding the staff, Guy Stéphan, his faithful assistant, Franck Raviot, the goalkeeper coach, and Cyril Moine, the physical trainer, will also stay by his side. For the rest, there should be changes… but in what proportions? The situation of Dr Franck Legall will be closely monitored.
Le Graët did not call Zidane, Benzema could speak
Even before the quarter-final against England, Noël Le Graët publicly expressed his desire to see Didier Deschamps continue the adventure. A stone in the garden of Zinédine Zidane, who hoped to recover the position. A few clues were able to make it clear to the 1998 Ballon d’Or that his former teammate had a good chance of continuing the adventure. Even if he was thinking of him in the event of the departure of Didier Deschamps, Noël Le Graët did not call Zinédine Zidane. His non-appearance will have consequences.
The FFF formalized the extension this Saturday but it has been rumored for several weeks. As many, Karim Benzema heard it. His choice to retire from international football is partly linked to the pursuit of Deschamps at the head of the Blues. Both the player and his entourage are always cheered up by his management during the World Cup. He could decide to take the floor to explain his version of the facts. In addition, other players who have dual nationality and who could have waited longer if Zizou had arrived, will probably not choose France. This is the case of Houssem Aouar for example and he is not the only one.