Francia i campioni non bastano: Deschamps fine ciclo, ora Zidane

The French national team suffered a crushing defeat at the World Cup, eliminated by Spain in the quarterfinals, marking the end of Didier Deschamps’ tenure as coach. The 57-year-old veteran will officially step down from his role following Saturday’s third-place playoff match in Miami, ending a storied career with the “bleus.” Fans and players alike had hoped for a triumphant return after the team’s historic 2018 World Cup victory, but the loss has left them disillusioned. The result came just days before France celebrated Bastille Day, adding insult to injury for a nation that prides itself on sporting excellence. Deschamps, who led France to glory in 2018 and narrowly missed the title in 2022, faces intense scrutiny over the team’s performance. Despite his age and the challenges he has overcome, including a brief return to France after the death of his mother, his coaching record has been called into question. The media, typically more lenient toward French football figures, have been unusually harsh, criticizing both the team and its leadership. Some reports describe the squad as lacking personality and failing to engage in critical moments of the game. Players such as Antoine Griezmann, who was sent off for a reckless challenge leading to Spain’s opening goal, and Youssoufa Moukoko, hailed as a future star but held back by tactical limitations, have drawn particular criticism. France’s failure to advance beyond the quarterfinals has sparked widespread debate about the state of the team. While the squad boasts world-class talent, including Kylian Mbappé, the team has struggled to translate individual brilliance into collective success. Mbappé, often described as the face of French football, received a rare negative rating from L’Équipe, with critics suggesting he failed to deliver under pressure. His frustration was evident after the match, as he took responsibility for the team’s shortcomings, stating they did not play the game they wanted to. This moment highlights the growing expectations placed on him, despite his youth and relative inexperience at the international level. Zinedine Zidane, the former Real Madrid legend, is poised to take over as France’s new head coach. Having previously managed the national team for 14 years, Zidane brings a wealth of experience, particularly in handling elite players. His appointment marks the beginning of a new era for French football, one that aims to rebuild the team’s identity and restore its competitive edge. However, the transition comes amid high expectations, especially given the recent failures and the need to address deeper structural issues within the squad. The defeat against Spain has also reignited discussions about the broader challenges facing French football. While the country possesses some of the best players in the world, there is concern that the team lacks cohesion and a clear tactical philosophy. Critics argue that the reliance on individual stars has hindered the development of a unified team capable of competing at the highest level. The contrast with Spain, which executed a disciplined and tactically sound performance, underscores these concerns. As the dust settles on this disappointing World Cup campaign, the focus shifts to the future. Zidane’s arrival represents a chance to reset the narrative, but the path forward will not be easy. With Mbappé’s potential still untapped and the pressure mounting, the new coach must navigate complex dynamics while rebuilding trust among players and fans. The outcome of this transition will ultimately determine whether France can reclaim its place at the top of global football. For now, the spotlight remains on the team’s ability to learn from its mistakes and rise again.