Didier Deschamps refused to discuss his future as France head coach following his side’s European Championship semi-final exit at the hands of Spain.
France took the lead in Munich through Randal Kolo Muani’s headed effort but two goals inside five minutes from teenager Lamine Yamal and then Dani Olmo were enough to seal Spain’s safe passage to Sunday’s final in Berlin, where they play the winner of the Netherlands vs England.
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Deschamps is under contract with the French Football Federation (FFF) until June 2026, but faced questions on his future during his post-match press conference on Tuesday.
Asked whether he expects to be in charge come the 2026 World Cup in America, Deschamps said: “Ask my president… I’ve just lost a semi-final. Do you think I’m already going to answer? I respect you, but try to respect the people who have responsibilities too.
“I’m telling you this calmly. What happened happened. I’m here to answer your questions, but I’m not going to answer this one today. You know very well the situation and what my president thinks. So you shouldn’t even have asked the question.”
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Before the tournament, FFP president Philippe Diallo denied Deschamps’ position would be under threat even if the national team underperformed in Germany.
Deschamps has faced accusations of playing “boring” football at Euro 2024, after France scored just four goals — with two own goals and one penalty — in their entire campaign.
Since the 55-year-old former Chelsea midfielder took charge in 2012, he has led his country to World Cup victory in 2018 and the 2022 final in Qatar, which they lost to Argentina.
France also reached the 2014 World Cup quarter-finals and the final of Euro 2016 during Deschamps’ tenure.
(UEFA via Getty Images)